The Rocky Horror Show

Richard O’Brien’s classic mash up of sexy sci fi and stocking topped horror shows no sign of slowing down since it’s West End debut back in 1973. On the contrary in fact. If the decibel levels of the packed out Monday night crowd in Brum are anything to go by, the show has lost none of it’s raucous, high octane appeal.

Rocky audiences are loyal and completely up for it even before the show starts. Some things never change (despite health and safety rules banning audiences from throwing rice on to the stage some years back... killjoys ). Pre show, big fellas with beards parade the bar in basques and high heels. French Maids press the flesh and white, straggly Riff Raff wigs are everywhere. This is a crowd that knows what they want and boy are they going to get it.

The story comes straight from a 1950’s B movie. A sweet young couple break down late at night and ask for assistance at the home of Dr Frank-n-Furter, a mad tranvestite scientist and his devilish mix of ghoulish housemates. Suffice to say the couple get more than they bargained for, shocked at first by their host’s behaviour but warming to it as the outrageous antics continue.

It’s a weird and wonderful mix of characters and plot. Frankenstein combined with a dark fairy tale and even pantomimic elements. And all driven by a pulsating score that’s turned up to 11 to give a rock gig atmosphere when required. Vocals throughout are strong and full of gutsy attack, not just on the main ensemble numbers like Time Warp but also the solos and more reflective songs.

Jackie Clune’s Narrator is beautifully played, adding asides and ad libs as well as responding superbly to the various audience shout outs. Her explanation of why her appearance on Middle Aged Love Island was not broadcast was comedy gold and could not have been more graphically clear.

The loved up couple Brad and Janet are given rose scented charm by Connor Carson and Laura Chia respectively, allowing their inhibitions to slowly disappear with impressive shifts of gear

The Servant Riff Raff, a role played by O’Brien himself in the movie, is handled with appropriate menace and distorted physicality by Job Greuter. It’s a fabulous part, Nosferatu meets Lurch meets The Hunchback of Notre Dame. No wonder so many fans were donning the wig in the bar.

Andrew Strong struts his sultry stuff as Frank-n-Furter. A wicked and very naughty master who gets exactly what he wants. His created ‘monster Rocky (Morgan Jackson ) is a million miles from the bolt necked abominations of old horror films, he is a buff and toned piece of physical perfection. That is, after all, how Frank-n-Furter likes them.

Strong performances too from Natasha Hoeberigs as The Usherette and Magenta and Jayme – Lee Zanoncelli as Colombia. Edward Bullingham rocks out as Eddie and, in stark contrast, doubles as Dr Scott.

Huge credit to a tight and blistering band led by Josh Sood, nicely set up above the stage.

After over 50 years, the show is still exciting, sexy and strangely addictive, so roll on your fishnets, hunt out your heels and snap up a ticket. You know you want to. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, Rocky rocks on to 22-03-25.



The Rocky Horror Show The Alexandra Theatre ***** Richard O’Brien’s classic mash up of sexy sci fi and stocking topped horror shows no sign of slowing down since it’s West End debut back in 1973. On the contrary in fact. If the decibel levels of the packed out Monday night crowd in Brum are anything to go by, the show has lost none of it’s raucous, high octane appeal. Rocky audiences are loyal and completely up for it even before the show starts. Some things never change (despite health and safety rules banning audiences from throwing rice on to the stage some years back... killjoys ). Pre show, big fellas with beards parade the bar in basques and high heels. French Maids press the flesh and white, straggly Riff Raff wigs are everywhere. This is a crowd that knows what they want and boy are they going to get it. The story comes straight from a 1950’s B movie. A sweet young couple break down late at night and ask for assistance at the home of Dr Frank-n-Furter, a mad tranvestite scientist and his devilish mix of ghoulish housemates. Suffice to say the couple get more than they bargained for, shocked at first by their host’s behaviour but warming to it as the outrageous antics continue. It’s a weird and wonderful mix of characters and plot. Frankenstein combined with a dark fairy tale and even pantomimic elements. And all driven by a pulsating score that’s turned up to 11 to give a rock gig atmosphere when required. Vocals throughout are strong and full of gutsy attack, not just on the main ensemble numbers like Time Warp but also the solos and more reflective songs. Jackie Clune’s Narrator is beautifully played, adding asides and ad libs as well as responding superbly to the various audience shout outs. Her explanation of why her appearance on Middle Aged Love Island was not broadcast was comedy gold and could not have been more graphically clear. The loved up couple Brad and Janet are given rose scented charm by Connor Carson and Laura Chia respectively, allowing their inhibitions to slowly disappear with impressive shifts of gear The Servant Riff Raff, a role played by O’Brien himself in the movie, is handled with appropriate menace and distorted physicality by Job Greuter. It’s a fabulous part, Nosferatu meets Lurch meets The Hunchback of Notre Dame. No wonder so many fans were donning the wig in the bar. Andrew Strong struts his sultry stuff as Frank-n-Furter. A wicked and very naughty master who gets exactly what he wants. His created ‘monster Rocky (Morgan Jackson ) is a million miles from the bolt necked abominations of old horror films, he is a buff and toned piece of physical perfection. That is, after all, how Frank-n-Furter likes them. Strong performances too from Natasha Hoeberigs as The Usherette and Magenta and Jayme – Lee Zanoncelli as Colombia. Edward Bullingham rocks out as Eddie and, in stark contrast, doubles as Dr Scott. Huge credit to a tight and blistering band led by Josh Sood, nicely set up above the stage. After over 50 years, the show is still exciting, sexy and strangely addictive, so roll on your fishnets, hunt out your heels and snap up a ticket. You know you want to. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, Rocky rocks on to 22-03-25. Tom Roberts 17-03-25
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