THEATRE-goers should get ‘down on Skid Row’ this week for Rossendale Amateur Operatic Society’s production of Little Shop Of Horrors.

Telling the story of poor florist’s shop worker Seymour and his down and out girlfriend Audrey, Little Shop is based on the low-budget 1960 black comedy film of the same name.

Seymour, played by Grant Alistair Bromley, discovers a curious plant after a total eclipse of the sun – and gains fame, fortune and love.

But he is forced to make a deal with the plant to feed it human blood.

With tracks including Skid Row (Downtown), Somewhere That’s Green, and Suddenly, Seymour, director Paul McGowan says the production at Thwaites Empire Theatre, Blackburn, from tonight, is ‘not your usual run of the mill show’.

He said: “As director, I am delighted with the work the cast, company and the crew have put in.

“This is a ‘one for all’ show as company members play a few parts each, and help the other actors with quick changes to both costume and set. And the backstage crew has a lot on their plate too, but they are handling it all with aplomb.

“The cast has taken on everything I have thrown at them and produced characters that everyone can relate to and root for: You’ll fall in love with Audrey (Claire St Pierre), cheer for Seymour, and want to feed the plant Audrey II (Robert Haken).

“All of these things plus an incredibly talented five-piece band, under the direction of Jonathan Chalker, combine to create a funny, sad, dramatic and man eating night out.

“This show has bite!”

Also in the cast are Pete Astbury as Mushnik, John Moorehead as Orin the dentist, and Lydia Kate Hollinson, Ruth Tunnicliffe and Steph Horne as Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon.

Little Shop Of Horrors, Rossendale Amateur Operatic Society, Thwaites Empire Theatre, Blackburn, tonight until Saturday, 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £10 and £12 from 01254 685500.

A gala charity circle opening night with Child Action North West takes place this evening, with a ticket, programme and wine reception costing £15.