ROCKY HORROR SHOW at the Dominion Theatre
★★★★
“pure anarchic campy joy”
First produced at The Royal Court in 1973, Rocky Horror has been entrancing its cult fan base for over 50 years and this new production follows confidently in the show’s successful footsteps.
The plot is incoherent, and broadly irrelevant. Strait laced, newly engaged Brad and Janet’s car breaks down by a nearby castle. They enter the castle, looking for a phone, and madness ensues – sex, reanimated corpses, aliens and yet more sex. All strung together by iconic, and unbelievably catchy music.
Christopher Luscombe’s direction is energetic and fun. It feels like the film, and thus the original production, but doesn’t feel tired. Much of that is the direction, but it is also due to the enthusiastic heckling from the die-hard fans in the audience. There are traditional moments for audience members to shout, and luckily this audience obliges. It’s worth noting that this show means so much to so many people – there are so many in costume, having the time of their lives. For lesser fans, the whole thing does feel at times bemusing, but it’s a special environment and a deeply welcoming one. It also clearly means so much to the cast, Jason Donovan tears up after one song, he is after all reprising a role that he first played 25 years ago. It’s powerful to see something that is such a cult phenomenon being staged.
Nathan M Wright’s choreography is dynamic and playful. The chorus pop up and down like whack-a-moles, writhe in sensual pleasure, and provide ghoulish atmosphere.
Nick Richings’ lighting design is startlingly good. This is Rocky Horror with the glitz and glamour West End treatment.
Mawaan Rizwan as the narrator is joyous. He’s a little confined by the stiffness of the role but when he’s able to play a bit more, his natural charisma and mischievous charm shine through. Lauren Chia and Connor Carson are brilliant as Janet and Brad – sometimes seen as quite boring parts, these two bring a real humanity, warmth and comedy to the roles. Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli as Columbia is also a real scene stealer. Obviously, Jason Donovan has been the big headliner for the show. His performance steers between cheeky and languid. While it occasionally feels lacklustre, he is never without emotion.
The second act of the show drags a little, most of the best songs are out of the way and the plot disintegrates into complete chaos. But the first act and moments in the second are pure anarchic campy joy.
ROCKY HORROR SHOW at the Dominion Theatre then tour continues
Reviewed on 10th September 2024
by Auriol Reddaway
Photography by David Freeman
Previously reviewed at this venue:
GREASE | ★★★★ | May 2022
ROCKY HORROR SHOW
ROCKY HORROR SHOW
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