Rocky Horror Show at The Regent
It’s time to grab the fishnets, back comb your hair and pull on your basque as The Rocky Horror Show is back in town – Review by Mel Osborne
Hitting the Regent theatre once more the cult classic which was declared a flop on initial
release in the 70s is bound to get many feather boas’s in a ruffle.
Created by Richard O’Brian and directed by Christopher Luscombe, the show is on for one week only. If you have never been to see The Rocky Horror Show before there are a couple of things that you need to know.
One is that although you don’t have to dress up it makes it a lot more fun if you do and you won’t be the only one. There is a fantastic parade of ‘Frank N Furters.’
Magentas’s and Rif Raffs. The second important piece of information is that like a panto,
audience participation is part of the show. In fact, there is even an audience script. Unlike
other musicals in recent times this one where you can party along. The last essential thing to know is that this is not at all for the faint hearted certainly hasn’t got tame!
Having seen this show a few times, this was one of the best performances so far. What was notable is that the production team have not let it age but still kept loyal to the show.
The ‘Timewarp’ which could arguably have a tendency to be overplayed was arranged and
performed with such energy it felt like the first time of hearing it and the costumes had been revamped.
Jackie Clune, noted for many Tv appearances, including Smack the Pony and Motherland, was fantastic in the role of the narrator. Her drole, dry manner had the audience in stitches.
It was pleasing to see that the rest of the cast were accomplished musical theatre actors rather than big names.
Adam Strong as Frank N Furter embraced the role with the passion and commitment it deserves. Lauren Chia as Janet gave an outstanding performance of ‘Touch- A ,touch-A touch me.’
A few years ago it was noted that some of the topics in this show were outdated but in light of recent news suddenly this show is very relevant again with it’s celebration of discovering your true self.
The Rocky Horror show is astounding and mesmerising with a good dose of absolute audacity.
5 Stars
