Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: Dominion Theatre, London
Cast: Jason Donovan, Mawaan Rizwan, Connor Carson, Lauren Chia, Job Greuter, Natasha Hoeberigs, Edward Bullingham, Morgan Jackson, Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli, Ryan Carter-Wilson, Arthur Janes, Hollie Nelson, Erica Wild, Alex Hetherington and Stacey Monahan
Having been seen by over 35 million theatregoers, 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.
Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show is a firm cult classic and despite being first performed on stage over 50 years ago, it has truly stood the test of time and resonates with audiences now just as much as it did five decades ago. Well ahead of its time, it's easy to see why Rocky Horror is still entertaining audiences around the globe.
The show follows the story of naïve young lovers, Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, who find themselves stranded in a castle after having car trouble. It's here they meet the iconic Dr Frank’n’Furter and their evening takes the most unexpected, chaotic, sexy turn.
With the production brimming with fan favourite songs, it's difficult to highlight just a few but the most memorable is most definitely "Time Warp". The song is absolutely timeless (excuse the pun!) and the choreography from Nathan M Wright is exceptional throughout the production, but particularly shining in this number.
Jason Donovan steps into the high heels and stockings as Dr Frank’n’Furter with ease. He plays the character as both playful and very tongue-in-cheek. While very different to Tim Curry's portrayal, it's one that's both mesmerising and ridiculously brilliant. The audience are very much in the palm of his hand from the opening note of "Sweet Transvestite".
Riff Raff is a firm favourite of mine and Job Greuter delivers one of the standout performances as Dr Frank’n’Furter's handyman. His quiet dominance throughout is simply magnetising and is only matched by his outstanding vocals and dancing talent. Other standout performances come from Connor Carson as Brad, and Natasha Hoeberigs as Magenta/Usherette. Carson's "Once in a While" is a a quietly beautiful moment among the chaos, and is the perfect showcase of his vocal ability. He embodies the unassuming nerdy nature of Brad without difficulty. Hoeberigs is wickedly funny as Magenta and oozes the sex appeal the character needs.
The set design by Hugh Durant captures the animated nature of the film at the beginning, and the set quickly turns deliciously dark once we enter the castle, which is paired beautifully with the lighting design from Nick Richings.
A mention must also go to the Phantoms who quite frankly, the show simply wouldn't work without. They bring the energy a show like Rocky Horror needs, and they are overflowing with both energy and fun, as well as helping the production run as smoothly as possible.
In a world where we're conformed to fit in, at Rocky Horror you're encouraged to be yourself and stand out from the crowd and the sense of community is overwhelming. "Don't dream it, be it" is the perfect encapsulation of everything the production represents, and long may its reign as one of the all-time greats continue.
You can book tickets to see Rocky Horror Show on its UK tour, here.
**photo credit: David Freeman**
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