It was with growing anti……….. pation I waited for the show to start. With an audience full of 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, it seemed that this was predominately, no virgin audience, on the opening night of Richard O’Briens Rocky Horror Show at the Sheffield Lyceum, let the shouts outs begin! Having seen the show many, many times before I was wondering if this production would fill me with the amazement my first encounter did, as an innocent 14 year old schoolgirl some 42 years previous! The music teacher; who took our school trip; certainly didn’t do his homework first and was horrified he may lose his job when parents heard about the show. And as for me? I was instantly hooked, and it opened some pretty wide theatrical floodgates that have never closed!
So, did I experience the stunned amazement of yesteryear? Too right I did! This was without doubt the strongest production I have seen of this show. Performed to pure perfection there is no ‘star casting’ in this production just tons of talent from time served Rocky Horror Royalty.
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…..
Now to the production….The show opens with the Usherette/Magenta (Suzie McAdam) 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. 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 (Reece Budin, Fionan O’Carroll, Jessica Sole and Stephania Du Toit) 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 (Suzie McAdam) crystal clear opening note to the raucous finale, the vocal quality of this cast is exceptional. From Eddie’s (Joe Allen’s) Hot Patootie to Brad’s (Richard Meek) beautiful ballad the whole score is gloriously sung. (I would be interested to see Richard Meek in the Frank role, maybe when I return on Thursday this week I will). Haley Flaherty has earned her title as ‘Rocky royalty’ with a stunning performance of Janet, her singing is sublime, 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. With over 2000 performances of Riff Raff under his belt, Kristian Lavercombe is the perfect for the role and has indeed made it his own. Darcy Finden plays a crazy 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 Ben Westhead and this character is portrayed as a more thoughtful character than previously, who learns a lot quicker and develops likability during the show.
The Narrator’s role is taken by Jackie Clune, and she really does use the female angle to answer the obligatory audience retorts, her responses are current and very funny, using geographical ammunition as well as finding some novel responses to the ‘male narrator’ aimed audience shout outs! 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!
I cannot rave enough about this current production, 42 years later and it hit the spot as if it was my first time. 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! At the Sheffield Lyceum until Saturday 28th January, grab a ticket for the hottest, raunchiest ticket in town – it’s the most fun you will ever have in a theatre!
https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/the-rocky-horror-show
Reviewer: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 23rd January 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★