The Rocky Horror Show – Opera House, Manchester

Since the original show in 1973 the ‘Rocky Horror Show’ has gained generations of fans who have been seduced by its mix of horror-comedy and science-fiction script, with an excuse to dress up for the occasion. Over the half a century of the show, it has increased in its popularity with the not just the oldies but with a whole new generation of young followers.

Despite the show being over 50 years old it has absolutely no signs of ageing as it continues to entice theatregoers through its doors with its bright, bold and extremely risqué script that bursts into life from the beginning through to the finale. The show is not for the faint hearted as you are guaranteed to be met with an auditorium of ladies or men in French maid outfits, an array of glittery top hats and dazzling tailcoats, skimpy underwear, numerous sexy corsets and basques, men in Frank N. Furter attire amidst the sea of black clothing, high heels and wigs.

The story sees newly engaged high school sweethearts Brad Majors (Richard Meek) and his strait-laced fiancée Janet Weiss (Hayley Flaherty) on their way to visit their old science teacher Dr Scott (Joe Allen) but are struck with a flat tyre during a storm in the middle of the night. In the darkness they see a strange looking castle and decide to go over and knock on the door to ask for help and here is where they meet Frank-N-Further’ (Stephen Webb), his butler Riff Raff (Kristian Lavercombe), Magenta (Suzie McAdam), Columba (Darcy Finden) and a household of wild characters. Innocence is lost and Frank N Furter’s castle provides a place for self-expression and a new creation ‘Rocky’ (Ben Westhead) a stunning muscular man with blonde hair and a tan who is made in just seven days and in his seven hours post birth is chased by a transvestite, witnesses a murder, has sex and is invaded by an alien takeover.

With the fabulous musical direction from Charles Ingles the audience is provided with classics such as ‘Over at the Frankenstein Place’, ‘Sweet Transvestite’, ‘Touch-a-Touch-a-Touch-a-Touch me’ and many more.

The show’s Directors have casted a considerable number of actors from previous tours for 2024 with only Brad and Columbia being new from my last viewing in 2022, making it a guaranteed slick and professional performance by the cast.

The audience participation in this show is what keeps the culture alive and has people returning time after time during its tours, you’ll be up on your feet gyrating to the time warp and will no doubt witness or indeed participate in the well-rehearsed adlib dialogue contributions hurled towards the stage during the show which is extremely X-rated. The heckling and audience participation can seem like a bit of a pantomime, but it something you have to expect with the Rocky Horror Show, be prepared to listen to your neighbouring seats sing in their loudest voices and not always in tune – but I am not reviewing our karaoke singers out there tonight so I will stick to the show. However, it can be hard to appreciate the talent before your very eyes as the audience seems more interested in their timely interjections and favourite songs.

The whole cast were incredibly talented, and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, The Rocky Horror Show is a production I have seen many times since the 1980’s and I have had great pleasure watching it evolve and grow over the years. The following is extremely strong both by the older generation and the youth of today and is seems to be timeless in its delivery and no doubt will certainly continue to flourish for more decades to come.

The production team had lots of familiar names – Hugh Durrant set design, Nick Richings lighting design, Sue Blane costume design, Nathan Wright choreographer all making the show a wholesome solid and consistent one.

The Rocky Horror Show offers a great evening of entertainment with its tongue in cheek naughtiness and iconic songs that will have you up from your seats and joining in at every opportunity. It isn’t a night at the theatre of etiquette and tranquillity as you really do have to be able to just go with the show and its participation from the auditorium. The Rocky Horror is a rite of passage that everyone should see at least once in their lives as it is good fun and very entertaining.

Well done to all involved and I wish them every success in the continuing tour of 2024.

Playing until 28th January, https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-rocky-horror-show/opera-house-manchester/

Reviewer: Katie Leicester

Reviewed: 23rd January 2024

North West End UK Rating: