Tyler Coppin's Little Shop Of Horrors

The only thing more horrific than unrequited love is a man-eating plant named Audrey II.

The stage musical ‘Little Shop Of Horrors’ is a fable set in a decrepit florist flower shop in Skid Row that comes into possession of a jive talking, homicidal plant – Audrey II. While most people are familiar with the 1983 film starring Rick Moranis and Steve Martin, the story began as a cult classic movie from the 1960s, before transforming into an off-Broadway rock musical in the 1980s.

© Jeff Busby

Tyler Coppin, who plays flower store owner Mr Mushkin, was actually in the audience of the original off-Broadway production in 1981. When developing his character, however, he tried not to be affected by the various versions that have existed over the years. 

“I tried not to watch anything; I didn’t watch the film, I didn’t watch YouTube and I just tried not to remember what I saw. I didn’t want to be influenced as a creator. If I see something I can’t get it out of my brain.”

© Jeff Busby

Instead, Tyler tried to find the truth behind a businessman going through harsh economic times. “He’s not happy with his life but deep down he does love his employees; he’s a drinker, he eats crap food, he makes no money and the song and dance float above that sad reality.”

Tyler says the show touches many nerves in people. “People tell me they watch it and go 'wow I thought about the housing boom, I thought about negative gearing, I thought about corporate greed, I thought about my personal greed, I thought about love, I thought about quest, I thought about secrets that I harbour within myself'.”

© Jeff Busby

With any show that involves a human-eating plant, attention will inevitably go to the design of this creature. With the current Australian production that is ripping through Sydney, audiences are in for a treat with the newest incarnation of Audrey II, brought to life by the puppeteers at 'ERTH'.

“The cast takes turns in operating it from time-to-time. At one time there are six of us operating it. It’s a magical, wonderful creation by these brilliant puppeteers.”

While the puppet is important, a musical cannot survive for decades without quality songs at its core. “The music is incredibly wonderful; it’s doo-wop, Motown. A beautiful score and wonderful songs.”

© Jeff Busby

In addition to the score, the show touches on a fundamental desire within all of us; a hope for more in our life. “It is a live experience of a human-eating plant and these people who dream of better lives.”

While that might sound quite intense, the show is famed for its comedic elements, and Tyler received advice on humour from one of the masters: Steve Martin. “The first thing you do with comedy is you play it straight, mean it, don’t twist it up; find the heart in it, find the truth and if it's funny, it's gonna fly.”

Little Shop Of Horrors Tour Dates

Until 19 March – Hayes Theatre (Sydney)
From 20 April – Her Majesty's Theatre (Adelaide)
From 4 May – Comedy Theatre (Melbourne)
From 25 May – Canberra Theatre
From 1 June – Queensland Performing Arts Centre (Brisbane)
From 20 July – Roslyn Packer Theatre (Sydney)
From 4 August – His Majesty's Theatre (Perth)