The Rocky Horror Picture Show has been delighting audiences around the world for years. The stage show debuted in 1973, with an approximate audience of thirty five million people seeing the show on stage since. It’s hard to find a person who hasn’t seen the show or the popular 1975 movie starring Richard O’Brien.
Now onto the plot. Let’s be honest, if you’re going to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show for the plot, then you’re not doing Rocky Horror right. If you are, however, interested in the plot, it centres around Brad (Connor Carson) and his recent fiancé Janet (Lauren Chia) when their car mysteriously breaks down outside a castle. With their journey to see their former professor abandoned they encounter Dr Frank ’N’ Furter (Jason Donovan) and all their crazy shenanigans for a once in a lifetime kind of adventure.
The soundtrack to the show is filled with iconic numbers such as ‘Time Warp’ and ‘Sweet Transvestite’ with audiences knowing what to expect with exceptional choreography (Nathan Wright). Set design by Hugh Durant is reminiscent of the animated features at the beginning of the film before transporting us cleverly inside the castle where the mayhem ensues.
Audiences return time and time again to this fun, immersive party like atmosphere which is a night at the theatre like no other. Gone is the traditional theatre etiquette of no singing and sitting quietly, the show has a notorious history of audience participation. Whilst this was slightly lacking on press night, our Narrator for the evening, Liverpool Legend Pete Price, did a fine job filling in all the ad libs with local references for the people of Liverpool and The Wirral.
Donovan finishes his stint as all round icon Dr Frank ’N’ Furter at this venue ahead of his UK tour next year. Having previously played the role in 1998, he has been a staple amongst the musical theatre stage since. Once again donning the heels and fishnets that the character is most well known for, the audience waited with antici-pation for his arrival and he didn’t disappoint. His experience in the role shows as he performs with ease, knowing exactly what the audience want and when. Even if there was the odd slip up of a line it more than fits in with the madness of this show.
Carson as Brad gives a beautiful vocal performance with the arresting ‘Once In a While’ a much needed breather in and amongst the chaos. Chia as Janet is everything you would want and more as the sweet, innocent naive butt of a lot of the jokes. Morgan Jackson as Rocky is clearly enjoying every moment of being on stage in what he bills as a dream role. If you were to list everything Dr Frank ’N’ Furter would want in the perfect man, Jackson is all this and more.
This is a show that simply has to be experienced, no review or write up will ever do justice to the absurd nature of it all and whilst this show might not be for the everyday traditional theatre goer, it’s hard not to lean into the craziness of it all and get involved in pure unadulterated carnage. With the shows core message of ‘Don’t dream it, be it!’ needed more than ever, it’s no wonder people head over to the Frankenstein place.
Liverpool’s Playhouse Theatre has secured themselves a fun, festive frolic this holiday season. A guaranteed good night out, see this cult classic this Christmas!
The Rocky Horror Show runs at the Liverpool Playhouse Theatre until 4th January.
★★★★☆ (4*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by David Freeman
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