The new production of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's much-loved musical offers outstanding performances, great music and special effects, and plenty of genuine belly laughs.

For those not familiar with the musical version of the 1960s comedy-horror film, the action unfolds on Skid Row, as downtrodden flower shop employee Seymour Krelborn contemplates a bleak future working for the selfish and crafty Mr Mushnik.

When a strange new specimen revives the shop's flagging fortunes and makes Seymour famous overnight, things finally begin to look better for him and his would-be sweetheart Audrey.

But events begin to spiral out of control when Seymour discovers the gruesome key to keeping his strange plant happy.

Clare Buckfield, who starred as Jenny in the BBC sitcom 2point4 Children, is delightful as the sweet-natured Audrey, while Damian Humbley puts in a hilarious performance as the cowering Seymour.

Alex Ferns brings a great deal to the character of the sadistic nitrous oxide-huffing dentist Orin Scrivello, and made the whole audience squirm with a particularly unsettling scene in his surgery.

Sylvester McCoy got lots of laughs for his wonderful performance as the scheming Mr Mushnik, and Clive Rowe brought the house down with an incredible vocal performance as the soul-singing plant.

A must-see treat for any fan of comedy, musicals, or sci-fi kitsch.

Little Shop of Horrors will be performed at 7.30pm each night up to and including Saturday, May 16, with an additional 2.30pm matinée on the Saturday.

Contact the Milton Keynes Theatre box office on 0870 0606652 for bookings and more information, or visit www.ambassadortickets.com/Milton-Keynes-Theatre.