THERE are some shows that just need to be seen, and Rocky Horror Show, which plays Mayflower Theatre this week, is one of them.
The story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée, Janet, who, when their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, meet the charismatic Dr Frank’n’Furter.
What follows is a night they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, and frivolity.
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A guaranteed party, it famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music, while encouraging audience participation.
And the audience on the opening night certainly did not disappoint, although I wasn’t really prepared for just how much effort they put into their costumes.
Despite being damp and drizzly, theatre-goers were wearing hot pants, heels, sequins, stockings and basques - and they were far more risqué than I would ever believe, if I hadn’t been there.
When the iconic Time Warp was performed, the audience got to their feet to dance along, and they didn’t just stop there – they really are an integral part of the show, and the experience.
The cast of this show is talented too, Phillip Franks is outstanding in the narrator role and his quick-witted responses to the hecklers are simply hilarious.
Frank’n’Furter, played by Stephen Webb, is mesmerising to watch every time he steps onto the stage, and Richard Meek, who plays Brad, and Hayley Flaherty as Janet are magnificent in their roles.
Suzie McAdam, as Magenta, Kristian Lavercombe as Riff Raff, Darcy Finden as Columbia, Ben Westhead as Rocky, and Joe Allen as Eddie and Dr Scott also deserve mention, along with the ensemble.
This production of The Rocky Horror Show is definitely not for faint-hearted.
What it is though, is a completely crazy night of escapism that you certainly aren’t going to forget in a hurry – it’s easy to see how it has been running 50 years.
And, I just may have ended up doing the Time Warp at the end!
- Rocky Horror Show runs until Saturday (March 25). Tickets from mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.
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