The show chosen by the Gilbert & Sullivan Society is smaller in scope than those of recent years, but the strangely magnificent "fly-trap'' plant, discovered in the "Little Shop of Horrors'' on New York's skid row, has caused endless intrigue and speculation among the cast.

"People can't take their eyes off it,'' laughs producer Marjorie Stanton, who admits it was a major undertaking to pack the all-important prop in a 900-pound crate for importation from the US.

"The whole story -- which, by the way, is not a horror show but a very funny, wonderful musical -- evolves around this plant. It grows and grows and, because it thrives best on human blood, things get a bit tricky all round.

Growing to the size of a pony and eventually taking up the whole stage has obviously presented logistical problems, but we've managed it.'' The comic musical (composed by Alan Menken with book and lyrics by Howard Ashman) which became a surprise Broadway hit, is set in the 1960s. The frankly madcap plot centres around owner Mushnik's seedy florist shop and the hapless machinations of store clerk Seymour in his attempt to win the heart of co-worker Audrey.

Taking on the role of "a certain sadistic dentist'' by the name of Orin, and Seymour's rival for Audrey's affections, is newcomer to the theatre scene, Gareth Smith. Admitting that he has never attempted anything like this before ("my only stage appearance was singing with the choral society at Aberdeen University''), Dr. Smith, who works as a psychiatrist at St. Brendan's, says: "It must have been an act of madness on my part to to do this! I've sung a bit with the Bermuda Folk Club and was persuaded to audition.'' Now, he not only plays the dentist, but it will be his fine, bass voice that also doubles as the voice of the expanding plant.

"I'm having a great time. Working with Keith Madeiros is really great. I couldn't ask for a better director for my first shot. Mind you, I've never done this before so I can look at this objectively. But Robin Sheppard, who's one of the three urchins, and is used to being directed, is also one of Keith's great admirers.'' Describing Madeiros as a director who takes his work, but not himself, seriously, Dr. Smith says he is "very patient and humorous. We're not paid to do this -- we do it for fun. Mind you, we do sacrifice a lot of time listening to the same songs over and over. But he manages to get us through all that! I'm more used to being a member of the audience than a member of the cast but, from what I've seen, I think he's staging it very well indeed. I am also a big admirer of Marjorie (Stanton) because she attends every rehearsal. We really love her presence as she hands out sweeties and lots of encouragement -- and we're all one big happy family!'' Mrs. Stanton has been associated with the Gilbert & Sullivan Society for 18 years, 11 of them as president, and since 1986, as producer. In addition, she has produced `The Mikado' and `The Importance of Being Earnest' for the Bermuda Festival.

"I think people are going to love this show. It has some lovely numbers and is very funny. We have a great cast and Keith Madeiros is proving to be a wonderful director. Everyone knows how talented he is onstage -- now they can see just how versatile he is. He can act any part in this show, as we can see when he shows each cast member just what he wants and goes through it, very patiently, until they get it right.'' Mrs. Stanton is very impressed with Gareth Smith -- even if it is his stage debut, and is also full of praise for photographer Marshall DeCouto, who takes on his first leading role as Seymour.

Appearing as the lovely but brutalised Audrey is Canadian Nancy Thompson, who has been seen here in `Annie' and in the G & S production of `Pirates of Penzance'. Dal Tucker is well known to local audiences since he appeared in the G & S productions of `The Boyfriend' and `Annie' and numerous other local shows.

The three urchins, back-up singers described by director Madeiros as "a kind of Greek chorus that keeps popping up throughout'', are played by Aneesah Furquan, Lisa Young and Robin Sheppard.

`Little Shop of Horrors' will be presented at the City Hall Theatre from October 9 through 18 at 8 p.m. nightly. Tickets at $25 are available from the Visitors Service Bureau, daily from 10 a.m to p.m., telephone 295-1727.