Sheffield waited with antici……….pation and at last the Rocky Horror Show crash landed into the Sheffield Lyceum. With a well versed and non-virginal Rocky audience there were more sparkly tailcoats and top hats, green surgical gowns, heavy rocker leather jackets and more basques, corsets and suspenders than you can find in Ann Summers and this production did not disappoint. After first seeing Richard O Brien’s Rocky Horror Show on its original UK tour in 79/80 (as a 14-year-old schoolgirl with a music teacher who didn’t do his research homework very well and was subsequently horrified he may lose his job!) I am somewhat of a connoisseur it could be said, and after sampling over 60 visits to Frank’s castle the question was – could this production still fill me with the amazement of my first visit? Yes, it could! It was crisp, comedic and well-rounded, the cast gave rich, risqué and full bodied performances. The execution was slicker than ever before, and time was definitely fleeting that night – over in a heartbeat unfortunately!
So, ‘time warp’ back a step or two, for the ones amongst us who don’t know the storyline or about the show’s creation. Rocky Horror show was written by Richard O’Brien in 1973, made into a film with Tim Curry (the original Frank ’n’ Furter) in the lead role in 1974 and as continued to gain cult status to this day. It has been performed in over 30 countries and translated into 20 different languages. The show’s longevity and enduring success is a testament to its writer’s understating of the changing world of the 1970’s. Years ahead of its time, The Rocky Horror Show embraced glam rock’s gender subversive glory and pointed it towards the punk era, it anticipated our new openness about our sexually and placed it all in a popular rock and roll and science fiction setting. Politically, the newspapers were full of yet another politician’s sex scandal, chaos reigned and times were a changing.
All this cultural turmoil is mirrored in the storyline – Brad and Janet, two wholesomely innocent college sweethearts, break down in their car and seek the use of a telephone at the only place they can find. Faithful handyman, Riff Raff opens the door and invites them inside the chaos….where they are welcomed by Frank ’n’ Furter and his motley crew of associates in the anarchic gratification of their carnal senses. All is not as it first seems as we meet Eddie the delivery boy and Brad’s college science tutor Dr Scott…..
The show opens with the Usherette/Magenta (Laura Bird) inviting the audience to watch the ‘Science Fiction, double feature’, as the curtains are drawn back, they reveal the iconic ‘B’ Movie feel of a set, a cut out car and a 2D church. Bird’s rendition is exceptional. Set design by Hugh Durrant includes a clever film reel which is wrapped around the top of the flats adding to the aesthetics. Nick Richings lighting design really adds to the feel of the ‘B’ Movie with its less subtle effects. The band under Charlie Ingles power out the iconic music and maintain the dominance of mood and tone throughout the show. The sound design by Gareth Owen and its quality are perhaps the best I have heard at the Lyceum, not one word, or note sung was missed and everything was perfectly balanced. Add to this exquisite costume design by Sue Blane and the show becomes technically flawless.
Christopher Luscombe expertly directs this stellar cast in a seamless and almost time defying spectacle. I have never known time pass so quickly! The Phantoms expertly add to the menace of the show, but I must say, I do miss the days of the Phantoms in the audience, please bring them back!
From Magenta’s (Laura Bird) crystal clear opening note to the raucous finale, the vocal quality of this cast is exceptional, to Brad’s (James Bisp) beautiful ballad the whole score is gloriously sung. I was extremely impressed by James Bisp’s Brad, and I have to put him in my favourite performer spot, both in the role historically and of the night. Lucy Aiston as understudy took on the role of Janet, she had just the right amount of twee innocence and I have never seen a Janet who can dance that well! Nathan M Wright’s choreography is creatively apt and stunningly executed by the whole cast. Nathan Zach Johnson (understudy) was in the role of Riff Raff and gave a solid performance if not an overly notable one. Daisy Steere plays an in depth and Columbia and again her vocals are soaring. I particularly like the further exploration of Frank and Columbia’s relationships in this production; it added a new dimension. Frank’s creation Rocky is played by Morgan Jackson, and this character is portrayed as a more ‘switched on’ character than previously, who learns a lot quicker and develops morals during the show. The Narrator’s role is taken by Nathon Caton, and he really does use his comedic prowess to answer the obligatory audience retorts, his responses are current and very funny, using geographical ammunition (Hendo’s relish) as well as finding some risqué responses to the troublesome male in the audience.
The show stealing of course goes to Stephen Webb as Frank ‘N’ Furter, the vivacious vocals, the sexy smouldering sensually, the crazy chaotic ness, the volatile vulnerability and the complete command of the stage makes him irresistible in every way!
An exceptional production, 44 years later and it hit the spot as if it was my first time (well nearly, minus the initial shock factor). A night at The Rocky Horror Show is to ‘Give yourself up to absolute pleasure’ and if you haven’t experienced it yet, I strongly recommend you do. It’s an experience you will never forget and won’t be able to get enough of! It opened some massive theatrical doors for me and I can pin point it as the starting point of my career in theatre. Richard O ‘Brien’s Rocky Horror Show is at the Sheffield Lyceum until Saturday 17th January, grab a ticket for the hottest, raunchiest ticket in town – it’s the most fun you will ever have in a theatre!
Playing until 17th January, https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/
Reviewer: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 12th January 2025
North West End UK Rating: