Rating: ★★★★★

Venue: New Victoria Theatre, Woking 

Cast: Stephen Webb, Nathan Caton, Connor Carson, Erica Wild, Job Greuter, Natasha Hoeberigs, Edward Bullingham, Morgan Jackson, Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli, Ryan Carter-Wilson, Arthur Janes, Hollie Nelson, Alex Hetherington and Stacey Monahan

Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show is a cult classic; not just in the theatre industry, but in the movie industry too. Despite being first performed on stage over 50 years ago, audiences are still resonating with the show's overwhelming message: be unapologetically yourself. Well ahead of its time, it's easy to see why Rocky Horror is still entertaining audiences around the globe today.

Having never visited the New Victoria Theatre in Woking myself, I was excited to visit a new venue and it did not disappoint. An impressive venue that couldn't be more fitting for an equally impressive show.

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. "Rose Tint My World" is an unexpected favourite in the show, with the atmosphere feeling almost electric as the cast step onstage to the opening notes in the iconic corsets, suspenders and feather boas. The costume design by Sue Blane encapsulates the aesthetic of the production perfectly.

Stephen Webb steps into the iconic high heels and fishnets for this stop of the tour. He delivers Dr Frank’n’Furter with ease. The atmosphere is palpable as he steps onstage for the first time during "Sweet Transvestite". He both plays homage to Tim Curry's portrayal of Frank, whilst also firmly putting his own stamp onto one of the most iconic roles in musical theatre.

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. In fact, Greuter has one of the most sensational voices I've ever had the pleasure to witness. 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. 

Another standout performance comes from Nathan Caton as the Narrator. Caton is quick-witted, sharp and brings Rocky Horror into the 21st Century with his ad-libs and knowledge of current topics seamlessly infused into the script. What I love about his portrayal is the ease in which he converses with the audience; it feels natural, loose and not as though he's following a script. And a mention must go to first cover Janet, Erica Wild, who's take on Janet's descent into embracing her newfound sexuality was expertly portrayed, and her innocent-like chemistry with Carson was utterly gorgeous. 

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 the UK tour of Rocky Horror Show, here.