Review originally written for The Reviews Hub

Popularised by the 1975 cult film, The Rocky Horror Show celebrates more than 45 years on stage…

A tribute to science fiction B-movies of the 1930s, the story opens on college sweethearts Brad Majors and Janet Weiss. When they blow a tyre on a stormy night, the pair seek refuge in a creepy mansion, and meet a party of oddballs and the charismatic Frank N’ Furter. Frank has been cooking up a man in his lab, and a sinister plot ensues involving murder, cannibalism and seduction. Sound dark? Barely! This is camp, colourful fun from start to finish.

Many famous faces have donned the heels and fishnets, from Jason Donovan and Anthony Head to musical theatre stalwart David Bedella. Our Frank is Stephen Webb, who has racked up many years of performances.

Revealed through the fabulous Sweet Transvestite, Webb embodies the iconic role and carefully treads the line between smut and sincerity. Impossible not to compare to Tim Curry, Webb puts his own stamp on Frank and seems to relish every moment. Solid vocals and an impressive range.

A live narrator helps keep track of the meandering plot. Often a celebrity guest role, Jackie Clune of Motherland fame is the current star turn. Clune is sharp and milks the laughs with a dry wit and cheeky wink. She bounces off audience feedback with ease.

Brad (James Bisp) and Janet (Haley Flaherty) nail the innocent couple led astray by temptation. Their story arc leads to their respective awakenings and a rocky (pun intended) start to their engagement. The chemistry is believable and the pair have excellent vocals throughout.

Ryan Carter-Wilson as Riff Raff is smart not to imitate Richard O’ Brien, but pays homage to the role and adds extra comic flair. Fellow servants Columbia (Daisy Steere, later replaced by understudy Bethany Amber Perrins) and Magenta (Laura Bird) give strong performances, and Colombia’s tap routine is especially slick.

Eddie (Edward Bullingham) follows in the footsteps of Meatloaf, and also doubles as Dr Everett Scott in Act Two. Bullingham doesn’t get a great deal of stage time, but makes an impact with each appearance. Rocky himself is played by Morgan Jackson, who – whilst a one-dimensional character – brings charisma to the role. The large ensemble keep the energy fizzing with honed dance numbers and tight choreography.

Hugh Durrant’s set design captures the essence of the B-Movie era. A film reel encircles the stage, and set-pieces range from wobbly cut-outs to elaborate machines. Nick Richings’ lighting dazzles, and adds camp colour between bursts of lightning, the glow of a neon lab and spotlit bridal suite.

Costumes by Sue Blane are suitably fabulous and give plenty of nods to the film whilst adding their own pizzazz. Inspiration is often drawn from burlesque, with corsets, boas and stockings galore.

A live band brings the sensational score to life, and all the film hits are here. At times the band overpowers the vocals, but levels are balanced overall. There are real toe-tappers such as Dammit Janet and Hot Patootie, and the tender I’m Going Home. Songs choices feel stronger in Act One, but the finale is a chance for eager fans to dance along to The Time Warp.

If you’re easily bothered by a rowdy audience, this might not be the show for you. Rocky isn’t a passive experience; there’s an unwritten participation script that diehard fans will shout throughout. It’s all part of the fun though – think panto for adults – and this audience was respectful during the more poignant moments. Although not the sing-a-long version, people will sing along nonetheless.

Family fun? A kids show it is not. The age rating is 12+ and there are self-proclaimed naughty bits. A bed scene is particularly raunchy, and the song Touch-a-Touch-a-Touch-Me is, as you’d expect, suggestive. The cast are often scantily clad, and audience hollers don’t hold back.

A few technical issues were unexpected in a show that has remained largely unchanged for nineteen years and has visited the venue many times before. A twenty-minute show stop due to the sudden indisposition of Daisy Steere as Columbia was unfortunate too, however her understudy quickly took over and the show was thankfully able to proceed. A testament to the cast and crew.

Despite these issues, there’s no experience quite like it. Billed as ‘The Biggest Party’, expect two hours of brash, bold fun with a smattering of smut and an electrifying score.

Don your high heels, shake off your feather boas and experience a night out like no other!

The Rocky Horror Show runs at York’s Grand Opera House York Saturday 25th July, book at www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-rocky-horror-show/

Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.