Review: The Rocky Horror Show

A cult musical comedy show that has been entertaining audiences around the world for more than 50-years comes to Birmingham.

The Rocky Horror Show is now playing at The Alexandra Theatre.

Richard O’Brien’s exhilarating and immersive glam rock influenced musical, which encourages audience participation, first premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in 1973 and has been seen by over 30 million people around the world.

The stage show proved so successful that it was adapted into a sensational Hollywood movie in 1975 which was filmed across locations used by the famous Hammer Films. The film starred Susan Sarandon and Meatloaf, with Richard O’Brien and Tim Curry reprising their roles from the hit stage version.

This is the kind of stage musical that starts right outside on the street as people line up in queues waiting for their turn to enter the theatre. The audience at the press night performance was a lush rainbow of gender fluid colours and outfits, with exotic hats, lingerie and stilettos that mirror the characters of the musical.

The story of this catchy tune-laden musical is simplicity and is a heartfelt tribute to the Sci-Fi and cult B-Movies of the 1950’s.

A clean cut, prim and proper courting couple is out one wet and wild night when their car breaks down near the spooky residence of lascivious transvestite Dr Frank N Furter who is in the middle of a secret experiment to create an artificial man called Rocky who has the perfect physique.

The interactions between the conservative couple and the madcap scientist make for raunchy and raucous interplay between the performers and audience members.

Each performance of this high energy show is a unique experience because the material allows room for audience participation, and humorous heckling, which adds layers of unexpected improvisations and excitement.

The cast of this production do justice to this long-running singing and dancing show.

Connor Carson and Lauren Chia as the squeaky clean and green-behind-ears couple Brad and Janet share a charming chemistry, and their transformation from spotless and innocent souls descending into Frank N Furter’s sweaty abyss of debauchery and sinful pleasures is very vivid.

Tim Curry as Frank N Furter in the film incarnation of the show still remains the very epitome of the character but Adam Strong took to the stage and he immediately connected with the audience. As soon as he appeared on stage and seductively opened his coat to reveal his alluring undergarments the audience went wild and showed their appreciation with cheeky wolf whistles and applause.  

Strong has the right balance between high camp and delicious drama, and he wears his erotic attire as naturally as he sings and delivers his lines. He is absolutely convincing and full of energy as he dances and struts about the stage in high heels with complete ease.

Riff Raff, another iconic character in the show who casts a long shadow from the movie version – and who was played by show creator Richard O’Brien – is performed to perfection by Job Greuter in this show. The seasoned artist puts his own stamp on the Riff Raff and gives a memorable rendition of the role.

Natasha Hoeberigs as the Usherette and Magenta, and Jackie Clune as the Narrator add their own special ingredients which add to the show’s infectious exuberance.

The role of the muscular and athletic Rocky is taken by Morgan Jackson who injects plenty of sly and sexy humour into the part.

Nathan Wright’s sizzling choreography takes the original moves and gives them a new spin while still retaining the powerhouse energy in each song and dance number.

Sue Blane’s glitter-and-glam costume designs evoke decadent styles which have become such an integral part of the show. Blane is no stranger to the world of The Rocky Horror Show as she worked on the original movie adaption.

The surreal and feverish landscape of The Rocky Horror Show is brought to life by set designer Hugh Durrant who uses bold prime colours and vibrant neon lines to craft the sin drenched world of Frank N Furter.

Despite the gothic mist and shadows the lighting by Nick Richings still manages to glow with glamour which heightens the unabashed hedonistic mood of the show.

Director Christopher Lushcombe should be proud of what he’s achieved with this production. A show that is more than 50-years old is brought to the 21st century in a bright and exiting manner that pulsates with energy.

It’s time to put on a lick of lipstick, slip into a pair of stilettos, and pull on black suspenders-and-garters and dance to the time warp again!

The Rocky Horror Show is an immersive, exciting and unforgettable experience.

VERDICT: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

The Rocky Horror Show is now playing at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham until Saturday 22nd March