Rocky Horror Production Photos

With music, lyrics and a book by Richard O’Brien, the Rocky Horror Picture Show opened in the Royal Court theatre London in 1973. Nominated for Tony and Olivier awards, this piece has become a cult classic known for its audience participation, with many people dressing in the costumes of their favourite characters and joining in with the actors, as they deliver the well-known lines.

A critically acclaimed new production directed by Christopher Luscombe is currently touring the UK. This story tells of an all-American couple Brad and Janet. When their car breaks down one stormy night, they seek help at the castle of Transylvanian transvestite scientist Dr Frank-N-Furter. In true B-Movie style of the 1940s, Frank-N-Furter is about to unveil his new creation Rocky; the perfect specimen of a man, with muscles “blond hair and a tan”, to the party of people gathered at the castle especially for the occasion.

Hugh Durrant’s set smoothly transfers from castle to laboratory whilst Nick Riching’s bright coloured lighting fills the stage. With Sue Blane’s glitzy costumes, all of the elements combine with each other perfectly to transport the viewer into the wacky, zany, world of Dr Frank-N-Furter.

Nathan M Wright’s high energy chorography is delivered with precision and enthusiasm by the talented cast members, accompanied by the terrific live band directed by Greg Arrowsmith. Phillip Franks is marvellous as the narrator, reacting to the ad libs from the crowd with quick wit and humour reducing the audience to raucous laughter.


Ore Oduba (Brad) and Haley Flaherty (Janet), have excellent chemistry with each other and give convincing performances as the infamous Brad and Janet. We were aware of Oduba as the winner of Strictly Come Dancing but it was a great surprise to find that he also had excellent vocals as he delivered Brad’s songs with ease and confidence. Flaherty with her strong vocals and geeky charm is perfect as wide eyed Janet.


Suzie McAdam (Magenta) has great stage presence, a powerful voice and I really enjoyed her performance. We have seen Kristian Lavercombe as Rif-Raf in previous productions of Rocky. Kristian, once again, gave an outstanding performance and we were thrilled to see him demand all attention in this iconic role. Stephen Webb is superb as straight-talking Frank, delivering the iconic number Sweet Transvestite with sass and attitude that lifted the roof off the Birmingham venue.


We have seen many a production of the Rocky Horror Picture Show in our years together (and apart) but with such strong performances, this wonderful cast has taken this cult show to a different level. This production would not be out of place on any West End stage.


Rocky Horror is a funny, adult, feel good audience participation show, which left me feeling like I had been to the most marvellous party and made my Monday evening feel like a Saturday night.


Rocky Horror is at the Alex Birmingham from the 27th September until the 2nd October when it continues its national tour.

MT

Theatretastic 5/5

We say: “We have seen many a production of Rocky Horror but with such strong performances, this wonderful cast has taken this cult show to a different level!”