Acting against a giant, green plant will be a new experience for members of a west Norfolk group –but they are all looking forward to it.

Downham Amateur Dramatic Society (DADS) is putting on its biggest show yet, and its first major musical, The Little Shop of Horrors.

Based on the low-budget 1960 Roger Corman cult film starring Jack Nicholson, it is set in a florist's shop in New York where assistant Seymour Krelborn discovers a new breed of plant life which feeds on human blood and flesh.

The show's producer Robert Hornett, who is also playing Seymour Krelborn, said: 'The film version of this musical is hilarious and has such a great cult following I couldn't help but suggest it to the society.

'This is a really ambitious show for the society but we have gained so much local support and lots of new, and extremely talented members, from nearby societies. Everything is coming together brilliantly. We have really thrown everything at this to make it a fantastic show.

'And the best bit is that we get to act against a giant, green plant. It's already great fun in rehearsals so I can't wait until we get on the stage.'

The horror-comedy rock musical by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman features well-known tunes, with music in the style of the early 1960s, rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown.

DADS has been running since 1947 and normally offers three productions a year ranging from family pantomimes to serious drama. Mainly based at the Jubilee community centre in Howdale Road, it has around 30 active adult members with 25 more receiving its newsletter as friends of the society.

Little Shop of Horrors has a five-show run, at Downham Market Town Hall, from October 21-23. Tickets are £10 and can be booked online at www.dadsdrama.org.uk or from Lewks, Wales Court, Downham Market, 01366 383762.

Does your local dramatic group have ambitions to step up a level? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk