Time Warping its way back into Manchester, with fishnets and flair, The Rocky Horror Picture show has rolled into Manchester ready to make audiences quiver with antici…pation.
Under the stead hand of director Christopher Luscombe, Jason Donovan has returned to the role and high heels of theatre’s iconic transexual scientist, Dr. Frank N. Furter, doing so with gusto. He brings a fabulous balance of louche flamboyance and furtiveness to invigorate the show with the unpredictability and playfulness it needs.
He clearly enjoys himself teasing his fellow castmates and the audience and delivers chaos (including a misbehaving pair of heels) and a touch of menace to his performance.
Jackie Clune brings a witty edge as the narrator, imbuing the usually ‘stuffy accountant’ vibe with something more akin to a potty-mouthed wedding celebrant. Her knowing asides and interactions with the audience help keep the chaotic spirit of the show intact and bringing a touch of narrative clarity.
Excellent and energetic support comes from Connor Carson and Lauren Chia as Brad and Janet, managing to keep strait-laced in the ensuing debauchery, and from Natasha Hoeberigs (Magenta), Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli (Columbia) and Ryan Carter-Wilson (Eddie/Dr Scott).
Morgan Jackson brings muscle, both musically and physically, as Frank’s creation, Rocky, although seems more streetwise and cocky than one might expect from a ‘newborn’.
Job Greuter is the standout, as Riff Raff, portrayed with intensity and eerie precision. He is both unsettling and magnetic with a mix of manic energy and gothic grace that steals more than one or two scenes.
The production team leans fully into the show’s cult aesthetic with kitch, over-the-top lighting and costumes. Occasionally the stage sets create minor sight-line issues but the performances, combined with Nathan M Wright’s crackling choreography and a fabulous band under the baton of Josh Sood keeps the pace whipping along.
One let down is the sound which has been a recurring issue at The Palace, where vocals are lost beneath the driving musical score, particularly during the brashiest ensemble numbers.
Despite this the show keeps its punk-rock charm and bawdy brilliance. The long-term fans lap up every lascivious wink and thumping rock riff, and newcomers get swept up in the chaos.
It’s loud, lewd, occasionally scrappy and barrels of fun – just the way it should be.
The Rocky Horror Picture show runs to Saturday 31st May at The Palace Theatre. For tickets visithttps://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-rocky-horror-show/palace-theatre-manchester
Reviewer: Lou Steggals
Reviewed: 19th May 2025
North West End UK Rating: