By Mim
As one of the most beloved cult musicals to ever hit the stage, The Rocky Horror Show needs little introduction. I had never previously seen the show or the much-loved 1975 movie adaptation, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, but was aware of its enduring popularity, and its influence on the countercultural and sexual liberation movements. I was so excited to see Richard O’Brien’s famous show, billed as the ‘Legendary Rock n Roll Musical’, which is widely known for its songs, characters, and fun-filled audience interaction.
As we approached the Grand Opera House, I wasn’t sure whether I was walking into Ann Summers or a theatre – I have never seen so many glittery jackets, fishnets & basques! Seeing all of the scantily-clad audience members amazingly dressed up and clearly more than ready for the camp, glitzy show ahead really brought home the cult status of The Rocky Horror Show, which has commanded legions of loyal followers since its first West End run in 1973.
The show begins by introducing a newly engaged couple, Brad (James Bisp) and Janet (Hayley Flaherty), who, after suffering a car breakdown on a wet and windy evening, stumble across an eerie castle in their search for a telephone, only to be welcomed by Dr Frank-N-Furter (James Webb), a mad transvestite scientist, and his loyal servants.
The stage is transformed into the spooky yet glitzy (and totally camp!) castle, with Frank-N-Furter’s servants performing the first iconic song of the evening, ‘Let’s Do The Time Warp’, a tried and tested fan favourite. Watching the audience dancing and singing along from their seats was an amazing sight to see, as was the introduction of Frank-N-Furter’s latest creation, Rocky, who seemed to enjoy flexing his pecks at any given opportunity!
Riff Raff (Ryan Carter-Wilson) was a favourite character of mine, the humpback servant who displays manic energy and eccentric behaviour throughout the show, as played by the writer, Richard O’Brien, in the movie. The live narrator (Jackie Clune, as seen in Motherland) worked well with the audience and took hecklers in her stride with quick-fire comebacks and cheeky, witty retorts, which were really impressive.
The ever-changing set by Hugh Durrant, from the broken-down car to the camp castle backdrop, worked convincingly to transport us to the setting of each scene. The costumes too were a sight to behold, from the glam and glitzy feather boas and skimpy stockings and corsets to the lab attire.
I particularly enjoyed listening to the vocals and the live band’s performance of ‘Hot Patootie, Bless My Soul’, ‘Dammit Janet’, and of course, ‘Let’s Do The Timewarp’. I do love a show with lots of audience engagement, as you never know what to expect.
With plenty of avid Rocky Horror fans seated in the Grand Opera Hose, I didn’t know who was quicker with the funny but naughty comments at times – the narrator or the audience! This is certainly not a musical for the fainthearted, but it was fantastic to experience the love people clearly have for the show, and I felt completely immersed throughout.
If you’re into glitz, camp, lots of partially dressed people and a generous sprinkle of smut, this is absolutely a show for you – next time, I’ll be mindful to dress up for the occasion more appropriately – or not!
The Rocky Horror Show runs at York Grand Opera House until 25 July. Visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-rocky-horror-show/grand-opera-house-york/ to book your tickets today!
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