It isn’t any shock that The Rocky Horror Show has endured for 51 years. Richard O’Brien’s bawdy, gaudy, naughty, exuberant and irreverent celebration of the sci-fi horror B-movies of the 50s continues to be an ideal piece of escapism in these darkish occasions.
For those that don’t know (are there any musical theatre followers who haven’t seen it?) It’s a darkish and stormy night time and newly engaged Brad and Janet’s automotive breaks down on a lonely nation street. They search assist on the nearest home, the fortress of reclusive scientist Dr. Frank N. Furter. Over the course of their in a single day keep, the physician unveils his best creation to the unsuspecting pair and mind-bending insanity and mayhem ensues.
The theatre is packed from ground to rafters, the viewers in full-on participation mode: there are Columbias, Magentas, Rockys, Brads, Janets and even a couple of Frank N. Furters within the auditorium. The second the Usherette steps onstage, the viewers is raring to go. Every name again and shout-out is on cue, each second for becoming a member of in is taken – this can be a crowd that is aware of each phrase to each tune and each step to every dance and is right here to benefit from the night time to the fullest, regardless of it being a chilly, damp Tuesday.
The well-known numbers come thick and quick within the first act, the dialogue is cheeky and tacky in equal measure, it by no means takes itself severely, and the dedication of the forged and the standard of Richard O’Brien’s writing implies that underneath the flimsy Fifties B-Movie veneer, this can be a present of high quality (regardless of the DIY-looking set).
Stephen Webb struts onstage in Frank’s glittered platforms and satin corset and boy does he give it his all. From entrance to exit he appears like he’s residing his finest life and judging from the ear-splitting reception from the viewers (regardless of some preliminary disappointment that the beforehand billed Jason Donovan wouldn’t be showing) they’re loving each minute together with him and giving him the credit score he deserves for his dedication to the position. His accent is as completely bonkers because the character, a mix of American drawl and West Country twang. It travels around the globe and again once more all through the 2 hours.
Webb is ably supported by Connor Carson (Brad) who has a stunning singing voice, Job Greuter as Riff Raff who’s following within the now-legendary footsteps of Kristin Lavercombe and who manages to place his personal spin on the position, and a nice sounding ensemble. Making much less affect are Natasha Hoeberigs (Magenta), Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli (Columbia) and Lauren Chia (Janet) who’re all competent sufficient within the appearing division however much less so within the vocals. Comedian Nathan Caton steps into the shiny patent leather-based footwear and velvet jacket of the narrator and manages to out-bawdy the enthusiastic viewers, there are moments nevertheless when his traces are misplaced as his diction lets him down.
There are few reveals that pack extra leisure into two hours, and few that stand as much as repeated viewings like The Rocky Horror Show. The second half nonetheless flags compared to the excessive octane first, but it surely’s nonetheless hands-down top-of-the-line musicals of all time, it might be against the law to overlook it.
Runs till 2 November 2024 | Image: David Freeman
