The Rocky Horror Show (Tour – Manchester)

It’s the 40th anniversary of this ever popular rock and roll musical and it seems time has been kind to Richard O’Brien’s cult classic.  A freezing cold Monday night does not see enthusiasm for the show dampened in fact, a the number of hairy legs encased in stockings and suspenders is testament to the passion felt by fans of this wacky, yet entertaining show.  Brad (Sam Attwater) and Janet (Roxanne Pallett) suffer a blown out tyre on their way to see their former science tutor, Dr Scott and walk to an old castle in the rain to try and track down a telephone.  

The audience are guided through the story by the Narrator (Philip Franks) who deals with the vocal audience well and gives this role some charm and eloquence as well as suitably getting into the role, batting away rebuffs and responses to his suggestive lines with ease and flair.  Once inside the castle, Brad and Janet go on a whirl wind journey of discovery, comedy and upset.

Oliver Thornton is a scream as the effervescent and disruptive Frank N. Furter; commanding the stage with ease, prancing, dancing and singing beautifully and giving the audience what they want.  He is undoubtedly the star and revels in this role. Pallett’s Janet is sweet yet dirty in equal measure and vocally she hits the notes well.  Attwater’s Brad is geeky but at times, during the dialogue is accent wanders somewhat which is a little distracting. Kristin Lavercombe is delightfully warped as Riff Raff and Ceris Hine and Abigail Jayne take good care of the roles of Columbia and Magenta respectively.  Rhydian as Rocky is an interesting idea and certainly a role that offers him no challenges vocally.

What can you say about the Rocky Horror Show that has not been said before?  Although short and with a book that is tracing paper thin, it is a fantastic night out and this production will not disappoint.  Get your high heels on and prepare to do the Time Warp all over again and enjoy this classic show that never fails to entertain. 

– Ruth Lovett