Don’t feed the plants! Little Shop of Horrors returns with bite-sized terror and toe-tapping tunes
While it started out as an Off-Off-Broadway oddity, carnivorous comedy Little Shop of Horrors went on to conquer the world, with the cult classic musical returning to QPAC early in 2026.
It was an Off-Off-Broadway hit that went on to Broadway then became a global success. And now Little Shop of Horrors is returning to QPAC.
In association with local outfit Woodward Productions, QPAC has announced a revival of the Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, which will open in the Cremorne Theatre from January 3 next.
With music by Alan Menken and book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, since its premiere Off-Off-Broadway in 1982, Little Shop of Horrors has enraptured millions of theatregoers worldwide. It was adapted into a film in 1986 starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Steve Martin, Jim Belushi and John Candy (see trailer below).
… Seymour soon discovers the foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore plant has sinister intentions
In the dark musical comedy, nerdy florist Seymour Krelborn stumbles upon a new breed of plant at Mushnik’s failing flower shop on Skid Row. Naming it Audrey II after his co-worker crush, Seymour soon discovers the foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore plant has sinister intentions.
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The long-awaited revival of the show will be directed by Alister Smith, who has realised musical adaptations of other cult classics such as Bring It On, Cruel Intentions and The Wedding Singer.
Music supervisor David Young (Frozen) and musical director Heidi Loveland (Carrie: The Musical) will lead a six-piece band through Little Shop of Horrors’ blend of ’60s pop, doo-wop and R&B, delivering unforgettable earworms like Suddenly Seymour, Feed Me (Git It) and Dentist!
Designer Penny Challen, lighting designer Declan O’Neil and choreographer Dan Venz will illuminate the gleeful allure of the American Dream in 1960s New York, B-Movie kitsch and meaningful silliness that is synonymous with Little Shop of Horrors.
‘Audiences are in for a potent nostalgia hit that is very camp, ridiculously fun and slightly gory.’
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Woodward Productions founder and producer Alex Woodward says he is excited to bring a new version of Little Shop of Horrors back to QPAC after 10 years.
“When I saw Little Shop of Horrors at QPAC, it was one of the first shows I’d seen that had me completely rapt, so expect to see everything audiences have known and loved about this show for more than 40 years – think elaborate plant puppetry and a deranged dentist,” Woodward says. “Audiences are in for a potent nostalgia hit that is very camp, ridiculously fun and slightly gory.”
QPAC chief executive Rachel Healy says the Off-Off-Broadway favourite is well overdue for a return to the QPAC stage.
“It’s rare to see a full-scale musical in an intimate venue like the Cremorne, but this setting is ideal for an international hit that had humble beginnings in a small, downtown theatre,” she says.
“Following the runaway success of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) in the Cremorne earlier in the year, we are thrilled to once again unite with Woodward Productions to create a new production that is both captivating and accessible, and I can’t wait to see a whole new generation fall in love with Little Shop of Horrors. Its quirky, playful theatrical madness makes it perfect summer holiday fare.”
Woodward Productions has been bringing world-class theatre to audiences around Australia and the world since 2016. Recent works include the Australian tours of The 39 Steps, The Woman in Black and Sherlock Holmes – The Mystery of the Valkyrie, the comedic hit A Very Naughty Christmas, Plied and Prejudice and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).
The full cast for the QPAC season of Little Shop of Horrors will be announced soon.
Little Shop of Horrors plays the Cremorne Theatre, QPAC, from January 3, 2026. Tickets on sale to the public from September 26.
To go on the waitlist, head to qpac.com.au/whats-on/2026/little-shop-of-horrors#waitlist