The Rocky Horror Show (Tour - Birmingham)

[Richard O’Brien]’s Rocky Horror Show is undoubtedly the king of the cult musical genre. This proves to be heavily testamented by the hoards of fans and admirers of the show who pack full auditoriums across the country with their cross-dressing enthusiasm and energy.

It is, in fact, this energy that carries the show; transforming a visit to the theatre into an unforgettable experience. The experience is what most audience members are attracted to; in particular the expected audience participation and incomparable atmosphere.

It is these factors which help to transform the show from simple musical to more of a concert experience, in which we know exactly what to expect, but enjoy it even more so for being just that.

This does not mean to say that the production values are compromised in terms of cast and set up; in fact they are just the opposite.

David Bedella is simply fantastic in his complete embodiment of the role of Frank ‘N’ Furter, deliciously delivering a commanding and energetic performance.

The roles of Janet and Brad are equal in their successful creation, thanks to Haley Flaherty and Mark Evans, who each play kindly to the comedy and deliver great vocals.

Credit also goes to Ainsley Harriott, who makes for a surprisingly witty guest narrator, whom is also simply full of stage presence.

Sometimes the rock genre gets the better of the production, with a little too much reverb on the mic’s so that some lyrics are simply inaudible, and by cast members becoming invisible by the hoards of smoke and dry ice that fill the air.

However, this production of Rocky Horror, will not only please the faithful fans, but also the few who bare the rare Rocky ‘virgin’ status as I so did. Camp, Crude and Lewd it is, and whilst not to everyone’s taste, it proves to be a fantastically enjoyable evening of entertainment.

- Ben Wooldridge