The Rocky Horror Show, Grand Opera House York, March 2022

Despite our eldest son melding two musicals and saying he wanted to watch ‘The Little Shop of Rocky Horrors’ (!), myself and Mrs Hatter booked a babysitter and set out for a child-free night at the Grand Opera House York

Having not seen Rocky Horror since 2006 at the New Wimbledon Theatre, we were looking forward to this 2021-2022 World Tour production with great antici…

…pation!

“It was great when it all began…”

The show certainly doesn’t get off to a Rocky start, and opens with Science Fiction before introducing the lovestruck couple from Denton. Strictly Come Dancing winner Ore Oduba as Brad has bags of nerdish charm and a great singing voice. Partner Hayley Flaherty’s Janet plays the transition from innocence to sexual awakening perfectly, and is perfectly cast for the role.

Kristian Lavercombe’s Riff Raff is as strong as ever. He was playing the role when we saw Rocky fifteen years ago…and has an eyewatering amount of performances under his belt! In fact this was his 1999th performance, he’ll cross the 2000 threshold on March 16th. An incredible feat and amazing performance all round, with a nod to Richard O’ Brien’s iconic performance but his own take on the character too. When it comes to casting, this isn’t…any old Riff Raff!

Let’s be Frank

Stephen Webb plays alien transsexual Frank N Furter. Comparisons to Tim Curry are inevitable, and I don’t think anyone could fully fill those boots (or heels) However, Webb gives a solid performance. Like a muscular Eddie Izzard, he thrusts his way through Sweet Transvestite and flirts outrageously with Brad, Janet and his man-creation Rocky. Every cheeky nod, wink and gyration is here, and he whips the audience into a frenzy. For me, Webb really shines towards the end with his powerful and emotional rendition of I’m Going Home.

Ben Westhead embarks on his first UK tour as muscle-man Rocky, and is clearly having a great time. His enthusiasm brings bundles of energy to Sword of Damocles. Joe Allen plays both leather-bound biker Eddie and wheelchair-bound professor Dr Scott, with the two roles showing his versatility. Hot Patootie in particular is a blast!

Suzie McAdams (Magenta) and Lauren Ingram (Columbia) play Frank’s female servants with strong vocals and some great comedic moments. Columbia’s gas-induced hysteria in the second act seemed to go on a little too long though.

Narrator Philip Frank excels in bantering with the audience. He clearly relishes the rapport, and has a comeback for every line and quip. Some of the shows biggest laughs come from his witty asides! In previous tours, the Narrator has be filled by a number of celebrities (everyone from Nasty Nick from Big Brother, Dom Joly and Mel Giedroyc to the legendary Christopher Biggins) but Philip is a great casting choice here and the best Narrator I’ve seen.

“Truly beautiful, to behold…“

Rocky is a feast for the senses, and visually the show is stunning. Hugh Durrant’s set design begins with garishly-painted flats of a car, church and castle that wouldn’t look out of place in a high-end school production.

The action soon switches to the sumptuous house (a hunting lodge for rich weirdos), hi-tech laboratory complete with sonic oscillators, and shimmering mylar curtains for the rousing floorshow.

The stage is circled by a huge film reel, a nod to the B-movies of the 1930’s that inspired the original story by Richard O’ Brien. Above the action, a rocking live band brings the score to life.

Shock Horror

As many of you know I mainly review family experiences, but this was strictly a child-free night out. The show isn’t suitable for children, although we noticed that the production has a suggested age-rating of 12+

To be honest though, we couldn’t imagine ever taking a 12-year-old! The film seems tame in comparison to the stage show and – without going into too much detail – the scenes in bed are much more suggestive than we’ve ever seen. In fact, perhaps blatant is more apt!

We would suggest perhaps a 15+ rating, although of course it depends on your own children. I implore you though, if you don’t know Rocky – watch the film first to get a sense of the content and help you decide. Oh and if you’re new to it, don’t expect the story to make a lot of sense!

For the uninitiated, seeing Rocky Horror on stage isn’t a passive experience. With it’s cult following, there’s an unwritten audience participation script that the die-hard fans have no shame in shouting out. If you’re not prepared for this, the constant interruptions can seem like heckling. Don’t beckon the ushers over though; for better of worse it has become part of the Rocky vibe. It makes the show more adult too – the call-outs from the audience are, let’s just say, not so subtle!

The cast manage this well, and I’m sure they expect it, but at times it interrupts the pace and becomes annoying – especially in the more touch-a-touch-touching moments such as Brad’s Once in a While and Frank’s I’m Going Home.

Hardworking Front of House staff had a tough call to make about what crossed the line. We missed most of The Time Warp due to two women front-row centre deciding to stand up and dance…fine for finale reprise, but not during the first act. Of course, we were all too British to complain so there was much tutting, leaning and shaking of heads.

However, by the end the whole audience is encouraged to get up and dance…and we were quick to oblige and do The Time Warp too (yes, I know all the moves!)

“Time is fleeting…“

Rocky Horror flew by in a haze of sequins, suspenders and smut. Director Christopher Luscombe has remained faithful to what Rocky fans have to come to expect, but with new ideas that keep the 40-year-old show fresh. In a recent interview, Ore Oduba describes The Rocky Horror show as pure escapism – and it is exactly that. All the glitz and glamour of a West End show, with a sensational score and stunning design.

Tickets range from £13 to £67.50. The upper end may seem pricey but this is in line with other shows of the same size. For such a popular show with a large cast and crew, high production values and a fantastic live band, we feel it would be good value as a treat. You also don’t need top-price seats to fully experience the show in all it’s glittering glory.

You’ll be thrilled and chilled with two hours of camp, riotous, toe-tapping fun!

MAGIC RATING