The Rocky Horror Show guarantees audiences an evening of laughter, joy, and is a piece of theatre which is probably unlike anything you have ever seen before. If you've never seen The Rocky Horror Show, or even if you have and you just fancy a great night out, then this is the show for you.
It’s tradition of sorts with this show, that audience members dress up as characters, bring props for certain numbers and call out crude callbacks, but it’s a guarantee that every performance will be a unique experience. Which is probably part of the reason that this show has such a huge cult following, with audience members returning time and time again.
Another factor that has pulled in a lot of the audience is the Aussie singer and soap star Jason Donovan reprising his role as Dr Frank-N-Furter. While those with little knowledge of the show may be shocked to see him on stage in fishnet stockings and a pair of heels, he actually seems very at home in this getup. Very much leaning into the mad scientist façade, he brings an air of amusement and what feels like inside jokes that was unexpected. He plays with the audience, almost feeding off their energy to bring an unhinged edge to the performance, so much so that it’s entirely possible to forget who he actually is.
However, when talking about audience interaction, no one can quite beat that of The Narrator. Played by stand-up comic Nathan Caton, The Narrator dips in and out of scenes trying to add some sense to the bizarre storyline, and while not always succeeding, he never fails to get the laughs going. Incredibly quick witted, he hits back at every x-rated or crude comment from the audience with one of his own. Despite most of the audience heckles likely to be well-rehearsed and known, Caton bites back with what I’m sure is something fresh and new every time.
The cast as a whole were fantastic, and you could tell put their entire being into the performance. The staging (Hugh Grant) was simple but effective, the soundtrack well known and loved. The Rocky Horror Show is exactly the kind of show you think it is, ticking every box. With a wonderful sense of community and familiarity that welcomes everyone in, it’s easy to see why it keeps people coming back for more.
The Rocky Horror Show plays at the Wycombe Swan theatre until 31st August before continuing on its UK tour - for more information and tickets, you can follow the link here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | photography by Daniel Boud
Comments