Sometimes, when a show's been running for a while, it can become stale - something that's wheeled out to keep the fan's happy but with a complacency that reeks of 'I'm in it for the pay cheque'. That couldn't be a description any further from reality for the current UK tour of The Rocky Horror Show.
Since its first appearance at the Royal Court Theatre in 1973, Richard O’Brien’s creation has become the world’s favourite rock n’ roll musical. It's been performed worldwide - in over 30 countries, on every continent - and has been translated into more than 20 languages.
A humorous tribute to the science fiction and horror 'B' movies which rose to prominence between the 1940s and 1970s, the musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple getting caught in a storm and knocking on the door of a mad transvestite scientist. He's unveiling his new creation, a Frankenstein-style monster in the form of an artificially made, fully grown, physically perfect muscle man named 'Rocky Horror', complete "with blond hair and a tan".
From start to finish, the show is an in your face, confident and well rehearsed phenomenon. With a clever set and a sparkling cast, I defy anybody who watches the production to not become a convert - whether they turn up in stockings or take the more conservative approach!
Hayley Flaherty (Matilda The Musical) takes to the stage as Janet, the initially timid girlfriend of Brad. Janet is a role that allowed Flaherty to flourish. With a confidence and reassurance that shone through, she was welcomed into the Rocky Horror fraternity with open arms.
Richard Meek (Hairspray) takes the role of Brad and excels. With a strong voice, excellent comedy timing and perfect characterisation, it's evident Meek is having the time of his life on stage; something which translates perfectly to the audience.
Kristian Lavercombe has now completed over 2200 performances of the show, bringing 'Riff Raff' to life in a role that could quite easily have been written for him. Lavercombe is Riff Raff, quickly cementing himself as a stable of the show - and the audience reaction to his on-stage entrance proved why he's so loved.
However, performance of the evening must be split between Stephen Webb as Frank 'N' Furter and Philip Franks as the Narrator. In different ways, each became the star of the show. Webb in the traditional sense with a stunning, flamboyant and, at times, emotional performance as Frank. The role is somewhat iconic and his performance had the hardcore, cult fans of the show on their feet in support; surely the best accolade he could hope for.
Franks, on the other hand, has possibly the hardest (and possibly the best!) job of the evening, contending with huge amounts of, often spontaneous, audience interaction. It's safe to say the fans at the front of the stalls know the script line for line and are waiting for their cue to shout out; something Franks dealt with, without missing a beat.
Franks is without doubt, in his element and put across one of the funniest, most spontaneous performances I've seen in a long time, easily ranking amongst the best narrators in the show's history.
The Rocky Horror Show isn't for the faint hearted and it's always a risk for each cast when they take on the behemoth. But, if you're up for a laugh and ready to party, this cast are a rip-roaring success.
The Rocky Horror Show runs at The Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 1st April 2023. For more information, or to get your tickets, head to www.atgtickets.com/birmingham.
