Review written by Jaclyn Prior
Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show started out as stage show in 1973 before hitting the screens to become one of the best loved musical films of all time and its cult following that soon followed. The show is currently embarking on a UK Tour which is at Mayflower Theatre this week.
The show is directed by Christopher Luscombe and it is as fresh and original as ever. The show is fast paced, energetic and very entertaining. The set is designed by Hugh Durrant and it is adaptable and helps to bring the story to new heights. The costumes is designed by the original costume designer of the stage show and subsequent film Sue Blane. The costumes are daring, daunting and sexy. It grabs your attention and you just don't know where to look.
Ben Westhead and the cast of Rocky Horror Show
Philip Franks plays the Narrator and he has impeccable improvisation skills that has the audience laughing from start to finish. He makes the audience cry with laughter with his humorous insults of Southampton or recent government officials. He captures your audience attention with just a wink of an eye.
Kristian Lavercombe, who has been with the show for over 2000 performances, plays Riff Raff and let me tell you he definitely makes you want to do the time wrap again just so you can see the performance from the start. Kristian makes you laugh, sing and squeal with excitement. Suzie McAdam plays Usherette and Magenta. She is hilarious and her vocals soar in the auditorium. Darcy Finden plays Columbina and she has great characterisation throughout the show which is represented in her dancing and singing.
The cast of Rocky Horror Show
Haley Flaherty plays (Damnit) Janet who showcases amazing vocals within the show and incredible dancing skills. Richard Meek plays Brad who plays him to be shy and insecure but by the end of the show Richard is strutting across the stage in heels and a corset. Together, they have fantastic chemistry which is highlighted on stage when they sing and interact with each other.
Stephen Webb plays Dr Frank-N-Furter and let me tell you something he is Frank-N-Furter. From the very moment, Webb struts onto the stage, he captures everyone's attention. His vocals are impressive especially during 'I'm Going Home' which is a personal favourite of mine. He makes this much loved character his own. His manic facial expression and sexy attitude leaves you wanting more.
Darcy Finden and the cast of The Rocky Horror Show
The cast is also completed by Ben Westhead who plays the muscular Rocky. Joe Allen plays Eddie and Dr Scott. The cast also features Reece Budin, Fionán O'Carroll, Jess Sole, Stefania Du Toit, Tyla Dee Nurden and Nathan Shaw as Phantoms and swings.
The Rocky Horror Show is outrageously good fun, sexy and fearless.
★★★★★
The Rocky Horror Show continues its run at Mayflower Theatre until 25th March and tickets can be booked now - https://www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/rocky-horror-show-2023/
AD:Gifted
Photos by Richard Davenport
Comments