The Rocky Horror Show by Richard O’Brien, Royal & Derngate, Northampton

The iconic and quite frankly, absurd production that is ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ is back on its worldwide tour! It’s astounding, it’s naughty and it is showing at your local theatre now. This is one not to be missed! Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical returns; having been seen by over 30 million theatregoers since its release!

Starring ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ winner Ore Oduba as Brad, this show is a guaranteed party! Leave your inhibitions outside the auditorium and get your pelvic thrusts at the ready because this show is like no other…
The usherette, played by Suzie McAdam greeted us with the iconic opening number ‘Science Fiction – Double Feature’ and wowed the audiences with her vocal ability from the very beginning, standing in front of the huge ruffled curtain, purples and pink lighting matching that of her revealing ushers outfit! From that moment on, I was hooked!

The curtains were sensually pulled back to reveal Brad and Janet, two squeaky clean college kids that were soon to become engaged and embark on one hell of a journey…

By a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion, whilst on the way to visit their former college professor and from that point the production takes a crazy turn. With the introduction of Dr Frank ’n’ Furter, played by the very talented Stephen Webb; the two ‘innocent’ protagonists are hurled into a world of sensuality, frivolity and passion.

‘Time Warp’ was a particular highlight for me and had the audience on their feet and dancing in the isles. Even if you don’t know the story, you can get stuck in during this musical number and join in the party. Some audience members took a verse or two to brave standing but soon joined in the action, after-all, we are encouraged not just to ‘dream it’ but ‘be it’. This served as a perfect opportunity to let go of stress and simply – have fun.

Audience participation is critical to this play’s success and we had that in spades. Rocky Horror fans had come dressed to impress in their basques, fishnets and sparkly hats and they were not afraid to heckle – particularly in the company of the superb Narrator, Philip Franks who was quite possibly the funniest I have witnessed in some time. His topical and timely comebacks were always appreciated by the audience and left us laughing non-stop in his presence!

The storyline is loose, don’t expect to be able to follow it. In fact, it’s better fun to just take it for what it is in each moment and not to rely on trying to make sense of it. Sense really, is out of the window here and you just need to embrace it.
This show may shock you, but it certainly won’t disappoint you.

‘Rocky Horror Show is more than just a show – it has become a community and a safe space for viewers to congregate and participate in the singing, dancing, acting, and dressing up in elaborate costumes’
Prepare for an adventure you’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity!

The Rocky Horror Show can be viewed at the Royal & Derngate all this week until Saturday 9th July, with performances at 8:00pm and 5:00pm showings on Friday 8th July and Saturday 9th July.
Age restriction: 14+ – Be warned, this show has adult content!

Tickets priced from £26 – can be booked by calling the Royal & Derngate Box Office on 01604 624811 or online at www.royalandderngate.co.uk

Review written by Rachel Carnell: The Travel Locker Press Team