Little Shop of Horrors to be Exeter Northcott's first musical in 20 years

Exeter Northcott Theatre will return to producing a full-scale musical for the first time in more than 20 years.

The much-loved venue will present a new production of Little Shop of Horrors, running from 1 to 17 October 2026.

The Alan Menken and Howard Ashman musical will be directed by the theatre’s creative director and joint chief executive Martin Berry and is co-produced with Lighthouse Poole and the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry.

The production marks a milestone for Exeter Northcott as it resumes large-scale musical theatre as part of its wider producing programme. Berry explained the move, saying: “Little Shop of Horrors is bold, funny, joyful and unapologetically theatrical – and it allows us to bring together everything we believe theatre can be. With this show we continue to reclaim artistic ambition, creating opportunities for artists, and making work that feels rooted in the place it’s made.”

Little Shop of Horrors follows Seymour, a florist whose fortunes change after he discovers a mysterious plant with an ever-growing appetite.

The musical will feature a professional cast alongside a community ensemble, with auditions to be announced, offering local performers the chance to take part in a mainstage production.

Following its Exeter run, the production will play at Lighthouse Poole from 20 to 24 October 2026 and at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry from 27 to 31 October 2026.