Rocky Horror Show – Hull New Theatre

When the Rocky Horror Show comes to town, you can guarantee fishnet stockings, suspenders, bustiers, saucy maids’ costumes et al will be much in evidence.

And that’s just in the audience.

So, it was on Monday night when theatregoers pulled out all the stops to show their support for this iconic production, which comes to Hull New Theatre as part of a world tour.

It was great fun, pre curtain up, checking out the get-ups of the brave souls who had dared – often, to bare – with all shapes, sizes and genders joining in the fun. They are an essential part of proceedings.

This legendary rock ’n’ roll musical has been wowing audiences for 50 years and doesn’t look like retiring any time soon.

The well-known story tells of innocent college kids, Brad (Reece Budín) and his fiancée, Janet (Haley Flaherty), whose car breaks down whilst on their way to meet their former college professor, Dr Scott (Joe Allen).

Seeking help at a nearby creepy mansion, they meet Dr Frank ’n’ Furter (Richard Meek) – an out-of-this-world encounter that changes their lives forever.

There is never a dull moment in this production – on an amazing stage setting where eye-popping lighting played more than its part in creating a party atmosphere. Unusual white spotlights beamed from every angle, while coloured lights shone from above – illuminating everything they touched. And billows of smoke often added to the atmosphere.

As in many shows recently, musicians were much in evidence – in this case seated aloft behind a huge reel of film. I loved that.

The super witty Jackie Clune acted as the Narrator and boy, was she quick with her ripostes to any hecklers in the audience. I wondered if there were any plants as her replies were so quick, but it wouldn’t have mattered, it was all hilarious; crude at times, but hilarious all the same.

Janet and Brad find themselves shedding their inhibitions in naughty scenes that would surely have even the most sheltered person laughing out loud. You just couldn’t be offended.

The couple’s interactions with Frank ’n’ Furter’s creation, muscle man Rocky (the fit Ben Westhead), his loyal “servants”, Riff Raff (creepy but very funny Kristian Lavercombe) and sister Magenta (ditto, Suzie McAdam); not forgetting the energetic, ex-lover of Frank, Columbia (Darcy Finden), made for a memorable night of fun and laughter.

Not all survive the night (on stage, I mean) and zapping did occur (no spoiler here).

Of course, this is a musical and songs such as Damn It Janet, Time Warp and Sweet Transvestite, to name just a few, were sung loudly, clearly and tunefully by those concerned.

On stage costumes dazzled and you soon get used to the sight of everyone in skimpy outfits, high heels etc.

The theatre was far from full, maybe because the famous Hull Fair was in town, but no matter, everyone there was having a ball and were on their feet within 15 minutes of the show starting – doing the irresistible Time Warp.

All on stage that night played their roles to perfection. The talented Budín and Flaherty, as the two innocents, thoroughly entertained as they went from nice to naughty; but the star of the show, and my fave, was Meek as Frank ’n’ Furter, who not only looked good, but had an incredible singing voice – all ensuring a prolonged standing ovation from a very happy audience.

Running until Saturday, October 14th, 2023; 7.30pm, Tuesday, 10th, Wednesday, 11th & Thursday, 12th; 5.30m & 8.30pm, Friday, 13th and Saturday, 14th. Tickets cost from £16. Call (01482) 300306 or visit www.hulltheatres.co.uk

Reviewed: Jackie Foottit

Reviewer: 9th October 2023

North West End UK Rating: