Rocky Horror Show is less a theatre experience and more a glitter-drenched rite of passage and I have been captivated by it since I first saw it more years ago than I care to think about. Any theatrical show in which audience contraband is considered to be rice, confetti and water pistols has to be OK with me.
The Regent has always been blessed with fantastic productions of this show (whose origins started in the West End on 19th June 1973) and this one is no different. The powerhouse of a musical by the fantastic Richard O’Brien has made its way through 52 years, still leaves audiences in ‘antici……………….pation’ and wows fresh new generations of Rocky Horror fans. Its as popular today, as it is relevant when it launched, with themes running through it of self identity and sexuality.
For those unfamiliar with the storyline, two newly engaged, fresh-faced, squeaky clean college sweethearts Brad Majors and Janet Weiss decide to travel to inform their previous tutor (Dr. Everett Scott) of their upcoming nuptials, only to find themselves stranded with car trouble. They happen to then knock on the door of Dr. Frank N Furter in a bid for assistance, unbeknown to them as a transvestite from planet Transsexual in the galaxy of Transylvania, who is trying to craft his perfect partner in his laboratory. Cue hilarity, barnstorming song and dance routines and a peek into an alternate world for Brad and Janet.
One notable absence we must mention is Welsh actor Kristian Lavercombe, who will be known by many who follow the tour, does not return this time around as Riff Raff. After an absolutely amazing 11 years and 2622 performances of the show, he said goodbye to the tour in April last year and we must tip our hat to such a fantastic achievement.
Adam Strong stars as Frank n Furter. His vocals and stage presence are solid and he sings and dances his way through a good portrayal of one of stage and screen’s most iconic characters. He makes the role his own and puts his slant on the alien doctor, often adding a comedic element to some of the scenes.
Job Greuter is the eerie Riff Raff, with trademark gait, he delivered his lines well, adding an additional comedic element to the role. He also took Riff Raff’s famous ‘Time Warp’ with aplomb and got the whole theatre up on their feet just a few minutes into the performance.
The steadfast and witty Jackie Clune, is the narrator with the iconic book, a role played previously at The Regent by Phillip Franks and Steven Punt. Jackie, known to most from TV credits including Motherland, Mandy and Borderline is great in the role and brings humour aplenty into the proceedings, including a local reference slipped in. With comedic delivery and timing, awaiting the trademark heckles coming “on-cue” of which she is the architect-in-chief of the set up line for their involvement.
Lauren Chia stars as Janet Weiss and provides fantastic vocals, especially during ‘Touch-a-Touch-Me’ and takes on the development from virginal college student to her second-half transition as a re-awakened woman. She is a great double act with Connor Carson who plays her bespectacled sweetheart Brad Majors. A great acting performance alongside some crisp dance moves made doubly hard with stilettos on. They also duet strongly on ‘Dammit, Janet’ and ‘Superheroes’.
Magenta and Columbia (two of Dr. Frank N Furter’s assistance) are played excellently by Natasha Hoeberigs and Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli and add to the hilarity, also carrying off their singing and dancing roles extremely well. Morgan Jackson plays the newly born Rocky expertly with some fantastic gymnastics and a strong vocal performance during ‘Sword of Damocles’. Ryan Carter-Wilson is Dr. Everett Scott and rocks the house doubling as the toe-tapping Eddie during ‘Hot Patootie’.
Stoke has always loved Rocky Horror and the ovation at the end was testament to that fact.
It’s fantastic to see a fresh generation of audience coming to Rocky Horror as well as returning fans, as the ‘Time Warp’ says, ‘with a bit of a mind-flip’ all newcomers are wow’d, it’s great to see them following the storyline and realising that audience participation is not only welcomed — it’s practically mandatory!
The Rocky Horror Show is sass, sequins and an unforgettable night out that proves — even five decades later — it’s still ‘just a jump to the left’.
You must come to see this wonderful show which is on until 10th May at the Regent Theatre and further details including the link to purchase tickets can be found here.
