Richard O’ Brien

The Rocky Horror Show

Leave a comment

Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

It’s hard to believe that The Rocky Horror Show first hit the screen 50 years ago—but this
latest production proves the cult classic still packs a punch. Bursting with colour, camp,
and energy, Richard O’Brien’s gleefully outrageous homage to 1950s science fiction
remains as fun and provocative as ever.

The story follows the familiar beats of a classic B-movie: newly engaged Brad and Janet
find themselves stranded with a flat tyre and stumble upon the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank
N. Furter and his peculiar household Riff Raff, Magenta, and Columbia. What begins as a
simple detour quickly spirals into a surreal, sexually charged journey that puts their
relationship to the test.

Connor Carlson and Lauren Chia are spot-on as Brad and Janet, capturing the pair’s initial
innocence and their gradual unraveling as they’re drawn deeper into Frank’s wild world.
The pair demonstrate great comedic timing and tremendous vocals throughout.
They’re supported by a strong ensemble: Job Greuther brings a wonderfully sinister edge
to Riff Raff, Natasha Hoebergis shines in dual roles as Magenta and the Usherette,
opening the show with a stellar “Science Fiction/Double Feature”. Whilst Jayme-Lee
Zanoncelli adds eccentric flair and powerful vocals as Columbia.

Jason Donovan returns to the role of Frank N. Furter apart he first tackled in the late ’90s
with a performance that leans heavily into the character’s unhinged eccentricity.
Channeling shades of Grayson Perry and a generous dose of Heath Ledger’s Joker,
Donovan brings a more chaotic, unpredictable energy to Frank than previous incarnations.
At times, he appeared slightly flustered—thanks in part to some malfunctioning stilettos,
however he turned these moments into a positive, using them to heighten the character’s
manic volatility, much to the audience’s delight. While his vocals may not be as strong as
those of his fellow cast members, Donovan more than compensates with a committed,
absurdly entertaining performance.

Actor and comedian Jackie Clune, does a stellar job as the Narrator, holding her own with
wit and playful authority. The audience was clearly in on the fun, with interactive call-outs
and spontaneous reactions creating a palpable buzz throughout the evening. Tonight’s
performance led to some observations about Donald Trump’s second term and Prince
Andrew which landed well with the audience.

Director Christopher Luscombe’s high-octane production keeps things moving at a
breakneck pace. The campy, chaotic energy is perfectly matched by Hugh Durrant’s
classic horror/sci-fi set design: blood-red walls, a giant brain, and even a mounted dodo
head. It’s as weird and wonderful as you’d hope.

While the final act veers into near-total madness, losing a bit of narrative cohesion. It’s a
gripe I’ve always had with the film and previous productions, however tonight’s finale hit
the mark, mainly down to Donovan’s stellar work on “I’m Going Home”.

Whilst the summer is nearly upon us, here is the perfect opportunity to dig out the fishnets
one more time and see why The Rocky Horror Show is still the ultimate feel-good,
anarchic theatre experience. Give yourself over to absolute pleasure. You won’t regret it.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is at the Palace Theatre until 31st May tickets are available at here.

 Rocky Horror Show – Manchester Opera House

Leave a comment

Reviewed by: Matthew Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s 50 years since the Rocky Horror Show premiered in the West End. The cult classic is currently mid-way through a UK tour arriving in Manchester this week, for a week-long run that sees this latest production still as vibrant, outrageous and despite being in its golden years, as culturally significant as ever.

The story focuses on a typical All-American couple, Brad and Janet, newly engaged the pair, when out for a drive one evening, in the midst of a brutal storm, experience a flat tyre. In desperation they seek help from the occupants of a sinister castle belonging to Dr Frank N Furter, where he lives with his servants, Riff Raff, Magenta, and Columbia. However, things are a little odd at the good Doctor’s residence and soon the host’s hospitality and his latest experiment will test Brad and Janet’s relationship to the limit.

Richard O’ Brien’s love letter to the horror/science fiction films of the 1950’s is still as flamboyant, fun and bursting with life. All the familiar tropes are here, mad scientists, crazed aliens, and a hero couple who have bitten off way more than they can chew! O’Brien’s script takes pot shots at the genre and plays fast and loose with gender roles and expectations.

First timers coming to the show won’t know what’s hit them! The show has a huge cult following, again evident tonight with several audience members dressed as their favourite characters (I’d be interested to see the sales figures for French maid costumes, when the show is out on tour). They bring so much more than just dressing up, becoming a character themselves anticipating the script’s next line bringing a touch of unpredictability to proceedings. The part of the Narrator this evening was expertly played by Reece Budin who handled tonight’s outbursts fantastically well, leading to numerous gags about the current Conservative government and the production of The Lion King showing down the road at the Palace, which again keeps the performance fresh and dangerous.

It highlights the hard work that has gone on during rehearsal, when the cast look like they’re having so much fun, which is evident from tonight’s performance. Richard Meek and Hayley Flaherty are in superb form as the awkward, virginal, yet far from innocent couple Brad and Janet.

Stephen Webb is exceptional as the iconic Dr Frank N Furter, it’s a performance packed full of charisma with a huge spoonful of menace, he more than delivers.

They are solidly supported by Kristian Lavercombe, Suzie McAdam, and Darcy Finden. Lavercombe has now appeared in more performances of the show then any other actor, and it shows as he plays the sleazy butler Riff-Raff, to perfection. Whilst McAdam pulls double duty as Magenta and bookends the show as the Usherette, performing a fantastic rendition of Science Fiction/Double Feature. The two of them do a fantastic duet, on the unmistakable Time Warp, leading to all the audience up dancing way before we’d even got to the interval. Finden puts in a feisty, energetic turn as the unpredictable Columbia.

The show does have its flaws, the final act is considerably weaker than what precedes it. In addition I found the lyrics difficult to hear in the ensemble number, Rose Tint My World which does frustrate.

It’s a mark of a great show, that even after all these years, it can still shock, entertain and remain relevant and Rocky Horror Show certainly manages this and so, so much. Absurd, timeless and well worth a watch. Go see for yourself, and give in to Pleasure!

Rocky Horror Show is at the Manchester Opera House until 25/02/23

Tickets available at: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-rocky-horror-show/opera-house-manchester/