There’s something much more frightening in store than the prospect of being asked to pay 5p for a carrier bag for customers who rock up to a pop-up shop in Hitchin next week.

The Comet: Beware of the plants! Hitchin Thespians stages Little Shop Of HorrorsBeware of the plants! Hitchin Thespians stages Little Shop Of Horrors (Image: Archant)

The shop in question will be open for business from tonight at the Woodside Hall home of Hitchin Thespians, and the shutters will be coming down on Saturday night.

Each evening at 7.45pm you’ll be able to step inside the Little Shop of Horrors and there’s one word of warning – whatever you do, don’t feed the plants!

Joining forces to direct this upbeat musical, based on the cheapie cult horror movie of the same name created in the early 1960s by cheesy teen thrill king Roger Corman, are Roger Burton and Mark Savage.

Roger has come all the way from Chicago, where he studied acting and performed at the legendary Second City, while Mark has been a member of the company for 35 years with performance credits in more than 70 shows over the years.

The Comet: Hitchin Thespians stages Little Shop Of HorrorsHitchin Thespians stages Little Shop Of Horrors (Image: Archant)

Roger said: “We have a marvellously talented and hard-working cast.

“The show is hilarious, the music is unforgettable, and the performances are out of this world.”

Mark added: “This has been a fun project right from the early stages.

“The show was chosen to create a buzz among our younger members, and I believe we have succeeded.

“Everyone has worked enthusiastically to bring together a show that will appeal to all ages.”

The comedy horror rock musical featuring a giant cannibal plant was first staged in 1982 and has become a familiar choice for touring and amateur productions, and was turned into a 1986 film of the same name, directed by Muppets puppet master Frank Oz.

You can reserve tickets online at www.hitchinthespians.org.uk or by phoning 01462 627583.