Theatre review: The Rocky Horror Show at Norwich Theatre Royal

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Growing up, The Rocky Horror Picture Show was one of my favourite films… and it still is! The Rocky Horror Show UK tour arrived at Norwich Theatre Royal this week and I couldn’t have been more excited to see it on stage!

Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical celebrates 50 years of non-stop partying with this special anniversary production. The longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world, The Rocky Horror Show has been seen by 30 million people and continues to delight audiences on its sell-out international tour, and returns to Norwich Theatre Royal this September.

The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet. When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank’n’Furter. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity.

Directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror Show is ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, and features timeless classics including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic thrusting show stopping Time Warp.

It’s just a jump to the left!

Before you even go to see this show, know that it’s a very different kind of experience at the theatre. Forget all you know about a traditional musical, where you’re expected to sit in your seat and listen to the people on the stage singing, without making any noise! At the Rocky Horror Show, people get dressed up, sing along and shout obscene things on the stage.

Part of the fun of Rocky Horror is looking at everyone’s costumes. I didn’t dress up but I did love looking at everyone else who did. You’re bound to see more stockings and suspenders than you’ve ever seen before in your life all in the same place.

And then a step to the right

One thing I always worry about with a show such as this, is the comparison to another version. Any cast have a lot to live up to when they are portraying characters once played by the likes of Richard O’Brien, Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon. However, the cast of the UK tour are phenomenal and got a very well deserved standing ovation within seconds of the show ending.

It’s really hard to not compare Stephen Webb, who plays Frank’n’Furter, to Tim Curry. Although Curry will always be my favourite, I thought Webb was really fantastic. He’s a very different Frank’n’Furter and really puts his own stamp on the role. Webb’s vocals blew me away, and listening to him sing ‘I’m Going Home’ was a highlight, as was ‘Sweet Transvestite’.

I’m not sure I could have asked for a better Brad and Janet, played by Haley Flaherty and Richard Meek. Both actors had sweet and innocent down to perfection, mixed with the changes that happen once they meet Frank’n’Furter. Flaherty and Meek both get the chance to shine with their own songs, ‘Touch-A Touch-A Touch Me’ and ‘Once In A While’.

Jackie Clune sort of stole the show as the narrator though. Audience participation is very much encouraged at Rocky Horror and there are certain parts where shouting from the audience is expected. There’s no other show I can think of where you’re supposed to shout obscenities or insults while the show is happening!

Some responses are expected, as they don’t really change from performance to performance. However, the audience is what makes each performance different and you never really know what’s going to get shouted out. The majority will be aimed at the narrator and Clune rolled with it, took everything and turned it into something funny. As the narrator, you need to have super quick comebacks in line with the theme of the show and Jackie Clune absolutely nailed it.

Let’s do the Time Warp again

I don’t think there was a single person still sitting down once The Time Warp music started up. It’s one of those scenes that you wait for, and it did not disappoint. As a huge Rocky Horror fan, it was so much fun to get up and dance along with everyone else in the theatre. Me and my best friend had the best time and it was like a huge party from beginning to end.

The soundtrack is such a classic and as a fan, there are certain expectations. I really thought that each song was done perfectly, either as a fun and naughty number or something more serious with feeling. Of course, this is down to the amazing cast and band! There’s no doubt you will leave the Rocky Horror Show singing along to yourself, or out loud, as you go home.

The Rocky Horror Show is pure filth, in the best possible way! It’s been running for 50 years now and I hope it runs for the next 50. Rocky Horror is an absolute must-see if it comes to a theatre near you.