Rocky Horror Show 50th Anniversary UK Tour - Review

 The Rocky Horror Show is a cult film, musical and all round piece of history that has fans spanning generations.  Created by the iconic Richard O'Brien and now hitting its 50th year of entertaining audiences, Rocky Horror is a film that pushed the boundaries of gender and sexuality and it's a musical that has audience members dressing up, shouting and bringing props to every show. It's a film that I have a huge soft spot for, and a musical that I haven't seen since before the dreaded Covid pandemic. So being able to take Max to see this iconic show as it danced across the Mayflower Theatre stage was a night I couldn't say no to. 



If you aren't familiar with the story, let me set the scene. Set on a cold and wet night, you are introduced to two meek and naive young people called Brad and Janet. A newly engaged couple who end up with a flat tyre in the middle of nowhere as they are on their way to see an old friend. Walking through the rain to the only available place they have passed, they stumble upon a mysterious castle with even stranger occupants that want them to join their spectacular party. What happens next can only be described as astounding, madness and rip roaring fun.

Rocky Horror is a musical like no other. Whilst most musicals encourage audience members to sit and listen to the show, Rocky Horror does the exact opposite. The audience members are encouraged to dress up, they are allowed to get up and dance for the classic Time Warp, and also shout remarks throughout the show. Yes you read that right. The audience are encouraged to shout out remarks in time with what is happening on stage. I must applaud Philip Franks who did an absolutely tremendous job as the narrator, giving local related quips and having better come backs than most stand up comedians I have seen in a long time. 



Stephen Webb honestly blew me away as the iconic Frank 'N' Furter. He commanded the stage and embodied the iconic role with every hip thrust, side eye, and strut across the stage. How he is able to do the entire show in heels is beyond me. I could barely stand in them! Richard Meek and Haley Flaherty were brilliant as Brad and Janet, with the perfect balance of innocence with a naughty streak, they truly impressed in their roles. I also have to say that Darcy Finden was incredible as Columbia. Her performance was hilarious and captivating. It's a show where the whole cast look like they are having an absolute blast and everyone from the ensemble to the main characters really looked like they were having a party on stage and inviting us to join them.

Rocky Horror is a completely timeless show. It doesn't matter if you watch it once or one hundred times. You will never tire of the marvellous, wacky and outright insane escapades that happen on stage. Team it with some really sincere and poignant moments, you are always in for a right treat when you watch this musical. It's a show that Max found absolutely hilarious and he was captivated from the start to the end. Whilst there is a fair amount of adult elements to the show, it was a show that he thoroughly enjoyed (and joined in with both dancing and heckling!). 

Whilst only on at the Mayflower until the end of the week, it's continuing on a UK tour until the end of the year and it's perfect for a fun filled night out that is beyond your wildest imagination. Dammit, Janet! Go see the show!


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