Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show has become a true cult classic since its initial performance in 1973 and subsequent movie adaptation in 1975. Since then, it’s frequently travelled the globe, a Broadway run even overlapping this year’s UK tour.
When strait-laced couple Brad (James Bisp) and Janet’s (Haley Flaherty) car breaks down, they’re forced to seek refuge at a nearby castle. Inside, ghoulish strangers are led by mad-scientist and alien transvestite Frank-N-Furter (Stephen Webb) who’s obsessed with creating the perfect muscly lover in the feisty Rocky (Morgan Jackson). The couple’s relationship is put to the test when they’re tempted by a life of sexual liberation.
Rocky Horror is a love letter to the science-fiction and horror genres, introducing quiet suburban couple Brad and Janet to a world of science, sex, and 70s rock and roll. Hugh Durrant’s set reflects their awakening, as their quaint storybook world of cutesy cardboard cut-outs is confronted by decadent decoration, moody lighting (by Nick Richings), glistening streamer curtains, and enveloping clouds of smoke.
Sue Blane’s costuming dates back to the original production and movie, lavishly detailed glittering corsets, garter belts, fishnets, and glitzy halter-necks, appear alongside an array of patterned blazers and gothic tailcoats, studded leathers, and one very prominent set of leopard print underwear and a bucket load of feathery detailing. Some of the more punky, ghoulish looks are complete with exaggerated contouring, ghoulishly pale make-up, and dark eye shadow palettes.
Richard O’Brien and Richard Hartley’s score is thrillingly addictive, combining the genres of pop, glam-rock, and rock n’ roll with numerous masterfully written earworms. Of course, ‘Sweet Transvestite’ and ‘Time Warp’ are the first hits that come to mind, but I guarantee you’ll be humming numerous other tunes on your way home! There’re gorgeous harmonies, mesmerising speech-songs, and lots of angsty guitar riffs to keep you entertained, along with funky choreography from Nathan M Wright.
Comedy-wise, the show is sure to have you howling all night long. Between the absurd, outrageous gags, and clever pop culture tropes, the show has something that everyone can appreciate. Admittedly, some of the jokes do feel a tad dated with old-school comedic repetition that lasts a little too long.
One of the most unique things about Rocky Horror is its rambunctious dedicated fan base. Outside of Frank’s lusty interactions, the show’s funniest moments stem from audience participation. Whilst most shows would condemn heckling, Rocky leans into the fun and chaos, almost relying on the long-time fans’ recited sarcastic retorts, leading to some of the funniest moments of coy, tongue-in-cheek humour from witty narrator Nathan Caton. Of course, shows with such a cult followings sometimes suffer from loud audience singers, but the show handles it well, ramping up the rocky score to keep everyone fully immersed in the fun. Undeniably, without the audiences dressing up, waving glow-sticks, and shouting out, it would be an entirely different show (or less outrageous at the least).
This is my third time warp into the world of The Rocky Horror Show, with previous leads Jason Donovan and Adam Strong taking up the mantle as the sweet transvestite. This time, Frank-N-Furter veteran Stephen Webb returns to the role with fierce revving vocals, elongated pronunciations, and the sassiest expressions. With Tim Curry’s seminal performance in mind, Frank-N-Furter will always be the show’s main determinant. In every rendition I’ve seen, some of the nuances of Curry’s hypnotic portrayal are lost on stage, as is often the case with theatrical adaptations. Despite this, Webb is lively, gripping, and enigmatic, delivering the show’s most famous lines with the perfect amount of suspense. His performance of ‘I’m Going Home’ is followed by heart-wrenchingly authentic desperation.
James Bisp was a particularly excellent Brad, his charming commentator dialogue melting into buttery smooth vocals. His performance truly blew me away! His portrayal pairs nicely with Haley Flaherty’s bubbly yet punchy performance as Janet.
All in all, Rocky Horror is still the sexiest show around. It’s campy, outrageous, and delectably crude. Simply put… It’s astounding. Despite its age, the show excels with its racy charm and mostly hilarious antics.
Give yourself over to absolute pleasure with The Rocky Horror Show before they prepare the transit beam out of here!
JADAR 