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There are shows like Oklahoma and Oliver that everyone knows and loves, and there are shows too numerous to mention that have fallen by the wayside. There are shows that have gone on to run and run, seemingly forever, and then there are cult shows which brings in thousands of the most unlikely fans to every performance.

Little Shop of Horrors belongs firmly in the cult section of this list.

The show is based on the Roger Corman B-movie of the same name from 1960 and one of the theatre's most perennially popular shows. But why?

In part, it must be said that the show parodies a little bit of everything: the movies, the Faustian legend, and rock and roll. All provide kindling to get this production burning. Another of its endearing aspects is the total innocence of the main characters, who are completely taken in by the strange plant that just happens to turn up. Children especially love it because of two things: first the puppetry which brings the various incarnations of the plant to life, and secondly that the plant turns out to be so absolutely horrible, just like a Roald Dahl villain - and kids adore it!

And then there's the music: the composer, Alan Menken, is better known for his scores to the various Disney blockbusters such as Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and Pocahontas. But in Little Shop he bases the score on the sound of the rock and Motown music of the 60s, and creates something new, so clever, that we all know this music from somewhere - but where?

Little Shop of Horrors is the story of Seymour Krelbourn, an assistant in a run-down flower shop in Skid Row. Seymour has just about nothing going for him. His only interest is raising exotic plants. He is secretly in love with his fellow-worker, Audrey, but alas, Audrey is already involved with a strange local dentist. Seymour's luck takes a turn for the better when he discovers a bizarre looking plant, which he names Audrey II. The plant attracts huge amounts of attention, making Seymour a celebrity, and the Florist's shop lots of money. But, as with all good things, there is a price to be paid. Audrey II turns out to have a ravenous need for blood - human blood to be precise. Seymour is faced with the dilemma: give in to the plant's demands for blood in order to escape from his humdrum life, or say no to the plant and give up the money, the fame - and of course, lovely Audrey. What should he do? You'll have to come to see the show to find out!