★★★★

“a beautifully constructed show, every chaotic choice pays off”

Colin Hoult was named after his father, and so he grew up as little (likkle) Colin. This is the springboard for a warm and moving show that muses on the language of neurodiversity, communication and parenting.

Colin has ADHD and mirroring that, his show jumps around at a frenetic pace. He leaps from a Christmas in 1986, to his son’s dinosaur impressions, to the Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner. But it is a beautifully constructed show, every chaotic choice pays off and it ties back to a message of hope and kindness.

Colin is at his best when he impersonates the weird and wonderful members of his family. His character comedy is sublime and with a few words he has the audience in stitches – whether it’s a 15-year-old who has the sincerity of Sean Bean, or an uncle who pronounces ‘theatre’ like a 1920s radio announcer. These individuals are brought to life in vivid technicolour. He effortlessly evokes the specificity of where he grew up, conjuring a portrait of a place and an era from thin air. He tells us about how he was raised in the shadow of Mapperly Hospital, a mental health institution in Nottingham and unpicks the complexities of that as a neurodiverse individual.

Some of his stuff about ADHD and living in Brighton feels a bit more familiar but Colin’s distinct perspective does give him an edge. The number of jokes crammed into this sixty minute show is astonishingly high, and the audience are laughing non-stop throughout.

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.

Tag Archives: Auriol Reddaway

COLIN HOULT: COLIN

★★★★

UK Tour

COLIN HOULT: COLIN at the Soho Theatre

★★★★

“a beautifully constructed show, every chaotic choice pays off”

COLIN HOULT: COLIN at the Soho Theatre

Reviewed on 24th September 2024

by Auriol Reddaway

Photography by Ed Moore

Previously reviewed at this venue:

VITAMIN D | ★★★★ | September 2024

THE DAO OF UNREPRESENTATIVE BRITISH CHINESE EXPERIENCE | ★★★★ | June 2024

BABY DINOSAUR | ★★★ | June 2024

JAZZ EMU | ★★★★★ | June 2024

BLIZZARD | ★★★★ | May 2024

BOYS ON THE VERGE OF TEARS | ★★★★ | April 2024

SPENCER JONES: MAKING FRIENDS | ★★★★ | April 2024

DON’T. MAKE. TEA. | ★★★★★ | March 2024

PUDDLES PITY PARTY | ★★ | March 2024

LUCY AND FRIENDS | ★★★★★ | February 2024

AMUSEMENTS | ★★★★ | February 2024

WISH YOU WEREN’T HERE | ★★★ | February 2024

COLIN HOULT

COLIN HOULT

Click here to see our Recommended Shows page

ROCKY HORROR SHOW

★★★★

UK Tour

ROCKY HORROR SHOW at the Dominion Theatre

★★★★

“pure anarchic campy joy”