Precious opportunity: 'I can't believe I get to play one of them'

A Cork musical theatre actor, Precious Abimbola, is set to perform on Ireland’s largest stage this month, at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

Abimbola, who was born in Glanmire and lives in Cork city, will take on the role of Crystal, one of the Street Urchins, in the epic musical smash hit Little Shop of Horrors, which opens on July 25 and runs until August 9.

Abimbola says she saw the film version of the stage show when she was a child, and was instantly hooked.

“I saw the film when I was a kid and loved the music in it, and I thought the three girls, the Street Urchins, were just fabulous. I loved their costumes.

“They stuck with me, so I can’t believe I get to play one of them now.”

The story focuses on Seymour, a sweet florist who encounters a rather unusual plant, which leads to some very unusual circumstances.

The show also features West End star David O’Reilly, as well as television and stage actor Johnny Ward.

Abimbola says that she and her fellow Urchin actors have formed a great bond.

“It was lovely, we all connected and bonded with our characters so quickly.

“We tend to discuss our characters in the morning, and then we play around in the rehearsal space, figuring out how to interact with each other. It came about so naturally.”

Abimbola attended primary school at Gaelscoil Uí Dhrisceoil and continued to Coláiste a Phiarsaigh for secondary school.

Earlier this year, she graduated from MTU Cork School of Music with a BA in Musical Theatre. She has performed at the Cork Opera House and taken part in the iconic Summer Revels, but says getting the chance to perform at the Bord Gáis is a source of pride.

“The first time the cast got a tour of the Bord Gáis, I remember seeing the stage and thinking, oh my goodness. I’m just out of college, and it is truly an honour; I’m so grateful to be a part of this production.

“I have seen so many shows there, and I’ve always been blown away with how beautiful the building is, and to be on the stage this summer is just incredible.”

Little Shop Of Horrors first premiered Off-Broadway in 1982 and has since become a global sensation.

This marks the first time that the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre has staged and produced its own show. The theatre is collaborating with TheatreworX to present a production featuring a completely Irish cast and crew, opening up exciting opportunities for local creatives.

Abimbola says the opportunity to work in Ireland, without having to travel to London to develop her career, is immense.

“It is such a blessing. I get to go home to Cork to see my family, and they can easily visit me, whereas when you’re in another country, it’s harder.

“There’s a comfort knowing that you get to go back home when you finish rehearsals, which is really nice when you are just starting out.”

Abimbola is the first member of her family to act professionally, but says music has always been a big part of family life.

“I have four siblings, and growing up, we tried out different activities, instruments, and sports, but I’m the only one who’s interested in theatre, the younger ones might still follow me.

Singing is a big thing in the family. My sister and I were in the church choir. My brother Alex plays in the church choir now; my youngest sister, Rachel, sings, and my brother Mark is learning to play the drums. Our household is very into the arts,” added Adimbola.

The arts are not always the most stable when it comes to employment, but Abimbola, whose parents come from Nigeria, says that they have supported her from day one.

“Coming from my culture and my background, I’m the first in my family to go to college. I’m the first in my family to do a lot of things.

“So, when I was speaking to my mom and dad about going into theatre, they said, let’s talk about it. They want my siblings and me to have a stable, secure life, but the support they’ve given me through the arts has been amazing.

“We all know it’s not stable; you’re constantly travelling, you’re constantly moving, but once they realised it was what I wanted, they supported me completely.”

With so many young, talented actors emerging from Cork at present, Abimbola believes that people from the Rebel County have an openness that allows them to be such good storytellers.

“Cork people are relaxed, and we open as people. We’re always open to conversation, new people, and new cultures.

“The arts have always been diverse, and Cork embraces diversity. We’re constantly wanting to learn. We’re open, and we’re willing to keep learning and to break new ground, and to be a good actor, you have to be open.”

Abimbola hopes to receive a lot of support from Cork as she takes to the stage.

“I would love Cork people to come up and see it. It’s a brilliant piece of theatre, and it’s worth taking a bus or train ride to come and see.

“It’s such a cool show, and it’s exciting as well to be in that room and atmosphere; audiences will love it.”

Little Shop Of Horrors will run at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from Friday, July 25, to Saturday, August 9.