AD-Gifted
The Rocky Horror Show has opened at the (pleasure) Palace Theatre and is waiting in antici-pation for you to arrive.
If you don’t know what this show is then where the hell have you been for the last few decades?
Starting life as a rock and roll musical in 1973, it was soon catapulted into the hall of fame thanks to a movie adaptation. It quickly became a cult hit with a dedicated fan following and the musical has basically been on tour ever since.
Don’t forget to read my first time ever at the Rocky Horror Show where my friend and I dressed up!
It’s certainly a bizarre story
Brad and Janet, a simple and naïve couple, find themselves in a pickle as they suffer a flat tyre. In an attempt to find a phone and escape the thunderstorm, they head over to a creepy looking castle. This is where the world becomes warped.
They meet a hunchback butler, gothic looking maid and cross-dressing mad scientist who aren’t quite of this dimension. Cue more madness with a rock and roll zombie, buff Frankenstein creation and alien encounters.
The show is a skit on those terrible science fiction movies of times gone by with a sexy twist. In fact, it was quite ahead of it’s time with such sexual liberation and gender fluid roles.
A cast that is freakin’ fab
And this production has all the bells and whistles to make you quiver. The cast totally get the comedy factor with out of this world performances.
The Narrator (Philip Franks) expertly guides us along this wild ride with a quiet word and knowing wink. His side creasing topical references to Boris, the artist formerly known as Prince Andrew and the Djokovic drama, shows this musical is constantly making itself relevant.
Frank (Stephen Webb) owns the stage in his high heels, tight corset and deep vocals. Possibly even deeper than his slut drops. Brad (Ore Oduba) is suitably quirky and Janet (Haley Flaherty) makes for the perfect 1950s housewife.
The rock and roll rules
The rock and roll soundtrack to this show really is hit after hit. ‘Time Warp’, ‘Sweet Transvestite’ and ‘Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul’ to name a few. You can’t help but dance and sing along.
Oh yeah, it’s worth knowing you can join in. In fact, it’s encouraged. Don’t be surprised if you hear a lot of heckling. It’s a thing. Just go with it. And dress up if you can. Everyone does. Stockings and suspenders are highly recommended.
Everyone is welcome to the Rocky Horror Show. If you come with an open mind and open heart, you’ll feel truly liberated. This is one hell of an unforgettable night out.
Playing at the Palace Theatre in Manchester until Saturday 22 January 2022.
(AD) Buy tickets here
Learn about the UK tour here
Image credits: The Other Richard