It’s weird and wild, sexy and fun! Ever since it first took to the stage in 1973, Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show has been entertaining audiences across the world. This ‘cult’ musical gains more and more followers every step of the way, and it is easy to understand why.
For those few people who know nothing about Rocky Horror Show, it follows our two protagonists, Brad Majors (Connor Carson) and Janet Weiss (Lauren Chia), as they journey through what can only be described as a ‘Sci-fi B movie’ and meet the wild and untamed thing that is Dr Frank’N’Furter (Jason Donovan).
Connor Carson delivers a fantastic Brad with all the appropriate nerdiness and sensitivity, but showing Brad’s ‘manly’ side when needed. His rendition of ‘Once in a While’, which sadly was removed from the film, is beautifully emoted especially during the duet sections alongside Janet.
Lauren Chia completely understood the assignment of Janet Weiss. Janet is the wannabe innocent girl next door but has hidden the true side of herself so deeply that it takes a Transvestite Alien to unlock her wildest desires. Chia brings the innocence and comedy of this role right to the forefront and along with her fantastic voice stands out among an incredibly strong cast.
Frank’N’Furter has been played by some big names in the past including David Arquette, Anthony Head and most famously Tim Curry. It is a role that has incredibly big ‘High Heels’ to fill, and Jason Donovan does this with ease. From the moment that Donovan first steps onto the stage in ‘Sweet Transvestite’ he knows exactly what he needs to do to drive the audience wild. He gives Frank a fun playfulness that brings a new dimension to the character and the beautifully sung ‘I’m going home’ brings a tear to the eye.
The trio of Riff Raff (Job Greuter), Magenta (Natasha Hoeberigs) and Columbia (Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli) are always fun to watch. Greuter and Hoeberigs show great humour throughout and play the parts brilliantly. Zanoncelli is clearly a very strong performer, however, it feels at times that Columbia’s childish charm is lost, which slightly distracted from her performance.
Morgan Jackson as Rocky and Edward Bullingham as Eddie/ Dr Scott complete the named characters in this show. Both Jackson and Bullingham create the fun and energy that comes with both of these characters and are great to watch.
The Narrator of Rocky Horror is sometimes a thankless task, due to the audience shoutouts that are synonymous with this show. Mawaan Rizwan brings his quick-witted humour to the role, having a hilarious response to most of the shoutouts but also knowing just how to deliver his lines to create the most entertainment for the audience.
A final mention must be given to the Phantoms. Rocky Horror Show would not be anything without its incredible ensemble that bring so much energy and comedy to the show.
Rocky Horror Show is a fantastic night out, and this production is no different. In a world that is currently trying to force people to not live how they want to, this show has a beautiful way of telling those people ‘Don’t Dream it, be it!’
It runs until 20 September. Tickets from £15: here.
Review: Joshua Thompson Photos: Davis Freeman