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The Rocky Horror Show is celebrating its 50th anniversary on stage and this half a century old musical looks as glam as ever!
It’s a cult classic, made famous by the movie adaptation starring Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon, that has been entertaining millions in theatres across the globe since 1973. And it shows no signs of slowing down.
Don’t forget to read my guide to a first timer at the Rocky Horror Show
A strange journey
The story centres around a young and innocent couple who break down in the rain. Looking for help, they decide to find a telephone at a nearby castle and get a lot more than they bargained for.
They meet ‘sweet transvestite’, Dr Frank-N-Furter, a sexy mad scientist with an even sexier and madder project. And if you think that is weird, it escalates even further as he and his minions are not as human as they seem.
Think B-horror movie with a sci fi spin and scenes of a sexual nature and you get The Rocky Horror Show.
It’s a riot
The sets are cartoonish, the costumes are jazzy and the soundtrack is banging. ‘Time Warp’, ‘Dammit, Janet’ and ‘Sweet Transvestite’ are the big numbers most people recognise! But there’s so many more songs that are just as catchy to look forward to.
The audience at The Rocky Horror show is like no other. Dressing up and heckling are all part of this erotic pantomime. In fact, it’s actively encouraged! They’re rowdy, up for a laugh, undoubtedly a dance, and bring their own killer jokes.
You can tell Stephen Webb is a seasoned ‘Frank N Furter’ as he comfortably gyrated in his black panties and killer heels. This was his show. Like a true diva, he knew how to give the audience exactly what they wanted.
Doting duo, Richard Meek (Brad) and Haley Flaherty (Janet), were a clean act. Their smooth vocals and sugary sweet performances nicely balanced the ravenous behaviour of the rest of the fantastic cast.
Extra-terrestrial siblings, Kristian Lavercombe (Riff Raff) and Suzie McAdam (Magenta), reached the highest of heights with their rock voices. And succeeded in giving the sense of a creepy horror movie thanks to their alien movements.
And Reece Budin (Narrator) brought a lot of mischievous energy. With references to Salford, Prince Andrew, The Tories and The Lion King playing down the road, it was all tailored for the audience of today and to the people of Manchester. Bravo!
The Rocky Horror Show is an out of this world experience that will thrill, surprise and tantilise. So, give yourself over to absolute pleasure before it blasts off to another city.
Playing at Opera House in Manchester until Saturday 25 February 2023.
Image credits: David Freeman