REVIEW | Rocky Horror Show UK Tour.

Rocky Horror Show featuring Ore Oduba as Brad and Haley Flaherty as Janet.

Rocky Horror Show UK Tour

The Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham

★★★★★

Since the musical’s debut in a tiny upstairs theatre in London back in 1973 not only has it been performed pretty much continuously across the world but since the popular 1975 film adaptation, The Rocky Horror Show has become a cult classic amongst its devoted fans. The gloriously camp combination of catchy songs, outrageous cross-dressing and B-movie plot continues to remain fresh and fun for those who have been back to the show time and time again. Many fans of this show will dress in their best outfits, influenced by many of the show’s iconic characters. This alone brings its own joyous atmosphere to the theatres and its definitely something to be ticked off your bucket list!

The timeless production is one of the only musicals I know where traditional theatre etiquette is thrown out of the theatre and the cast expect this to happen on a daily basis. There is an unwritten acceptance for naughty innuendos to be shouted in response to specific parts of the show. It largely comes through the Narrator and its down to him to ensure this relationship is carried throughout. We were thrilled with Philip Franks, a automatic natural at quipping back to the audience’s heckling and showing the true joy of being back on the stage. Of course, there’s also the open invitation to Time Warp with the cast during the finale too. It’s a show that has a unique atmosphere and an experience you will be talking about for a long time afterwards.

The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of a newly engaged couple, Brad and Janet who get caught up with a flat tire during a storm. They seek shelter in a grand house to take shelter and unbeknownst to them it’s the home of a mad transvestite scientist called Dr Frank N’ Furter. They enter the house on a special night, Frank N’ Further is about to reveal his new creature. Brad and Janet’s innocence is lost amongst a household of eccentric characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler, Riff Raff.

Strutting his stuff in the heels of Frank N’ Furter is Stephen Webb who has a delightful take on this iconic character. Right from the moment he makes his entrance in “Sweet Transvestite” you are transfixed by his ease and sex appeal to really develop Frank N’ Furter in this production. He has a real warmth in his vocal tone that really enables the audience to experience his more vulnerable state in “I’m Going Home” too. Webb does an excellent job of filling the heels of this character that makes it so different to other men I have seen in this role.

In this UK tour it’s Strictly Come Dancing’s 2016 winner Ore Oduba that takes on the classic good guy in this story, Brad. Oduba is showing he is continuing to flourish in his stage career and playing Brad has been a great stepping stone for this, his pleasing vocal range really suited this character and he was able to nail the geeky side. He perfectly compliments his Janet, Haley Flaherty too. Flaherty is one of a few actors who have made a household name for themselves with Rocky Horror having been a part of the show for many years now. Her standard of performance delivery doesn’t falter and she has made Janet’s character completely her own.

Another individual who has made a household name for themselves with the show, playing the role of Riff Raff more than anyone in the show’s history is Kristian Lavercombe. He captivates every breath and muscle of this character right from the moment we first meet him. He has carefully crafted this character to be his own. He is accompanied by a superb Magenta (Suzie McAdam) and Columbia (Lauren Ingham) who definitely align with his experience with their own strong performances. As a whole this was one of the strongest casts I have seen for this musical ever.

Rocky Horror does have an expectance to live up to but it remains to be one of the most timeless shows of our time. It is bonkers, loud and a bit out of the ordinary for musicals but it is the definition of escapism. You will absorb every moment of this show and will be booking another ticket once you have gained your breath back after the Time Warp curtain call!

Rocky Horror performs at The Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham until Sun 15 August. To find out further information on the UK and Ireland tour of Rocky Horror and where to book your tickets,  visit here.