★★★★

“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

Brighton Theatre Royal

Reviewed – 18th December 2018

★★★★

“It remains, at its heart, simply a bit of fun – and it delivers that in abundance“

Since its debut in London in 1973, The Rocky Horror Show has been performed almost continuously across the world. The iconic 1975 film adaptation’s success and enduring appeal has sealed it firmly into the fabric of our modern pop culture. The Rocky Horror Show famously combines a ridiculous B-movie science fiction plot with comedy, horror and music.

The story begins with the engagement of Brad and Janet (played by Ben Adams of A1 and former Strictly professional Joanna Clifton), a wholesome all-American couple, who on their way to share their exciting news with their former college professor, Dr. Scott (Ross Chisari), drive into a thunderstorm. Following a tyre blow-out, they approach a nearby castle for assistance. It is a night they will remember for a very, very long time.

As their innocence is lost during one of the master’s affairs, Brad and Janet are introduced to an array of colourful characters. Clifton’s Janet is sweet, naïve and precious, which brings a gentle comedy to the character. Adams’ Brad is as ingenuous, but his desire to protect and control Janet only makes him more ridiculous.

Kristian Lavercombe has been playing Riff Raff the creepy butler for many years, and has notched up over 1,400 performances worldwide. It is an iconic role, originally played by the show’s writer and creator, Richard O’Brien, and is a fan favourite. Lavercombe’s interpretation is near on perfection. He is as deliciously grubby and sleazy as you could wish for. I hope he continues in the role for evermore.

Immoral and outrageous transvestite scientist, Frank n’ Furter has to steal the show. Stephen Webb, directed by Christopher Luscombe, is salacious and mischievous. At times, it feels as if there is too strong an emphasis on giving a depth to the character that is not entirely necessary.

Dom Joly presides as Narrator, who is traditionally heckled by the audience in an outrageously rude fashion. He does an adequate job of rebuffing the relentless jibes, but seemed to lack the repertoire of retorts that others have previously brought to the role.

Set designer, Hugh Durrant has created a background that is framed by an unfurling, giant reel of film. Frank n’Furter’s hallway gives us a gothic style that is reminiscent of a Hammer Horror movie. The lighting felt very fresh with dramatic use of green lasers during the laboratory scenes.

The Rocky Horror show is always a riot. The audience is packed with regulars who know the script and are not ashamed to shout out or stand up and dance. There is little regard for their fellow audience members and some may find it all too much. But, this is all part of the phenomenon and the experience. Its enduring popularity shows no signs of waning and its near constant presence means that it continues to be enjoyed by new audiences as well. It remains, at its heart, simply a bit of fun – and it delivers that in abundance.

Tag Archives: Stephen Webb

ROCKY HORROR SHOW

★★★★

UK Tour

ROCKY HORROR SHOW at the Dominion Theatre

★★★★

“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

Click here to see our Recommended Shows page

Rocky Horror Show
★★★★

Brighton Theatre Royal

Brighton Theatre Royal

Reviewed – 18th December 2018

★★★★

“It remains, at its heart, simply a bit of fun – and it delivers that in abundance“

Immoral and outrageous transvestite scientist, Frank n’ Furter has to steal the show. Stephen Webb, directed by Christopher Luscombe, is salacious and mischievous. At times, it feels as if there is too strong an emphasis on giving a depth to the character that is not entirely necessary.

Dom Joly presides as Narrator, who is traditionally heckled by the audience in an outrageously rude fashion. He does an adequate job of rebuffing the relentless jibes, but seemed to lack the repertoire of retorts that others have previously brought to the role.

Set designer, Hugh Durrant has created a background that is framed by an unfurling, giant reel of film. Frank n’Furter’s hallway gives us a gothic style that is reminiscent of a Hammer Horror movie. The lighting felt very fresh with dramatic use of green lasers during the laboratory scenes.

Reviewed by Emma Gradwell

Rocky Horror Show

Brighton Theatre Royal until 5th January

then UK Tour continues

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