Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another review here at StageSideUK. This time around we are talking about the timeless classic that is the Rocky Horror Show. So settle in, strap into your highest heels and lets fly off to those moon drenched shores!
Disclaimer: We were gifted two press night tickets in exchange for an honest review of the show.
About Rocky Horror Show
The Rocky Horror Show started its journey back in the 1970’s, and casts have been strugging the stages and belting out harmonies developing a cult following. Following the story of sweethearts Brad and Janet, this musical is an acid trip from the moment you take a seat. The pair happen upon a castle, filled with colourful characters and fun, filthy chaos. Last night, the show played the Darlington Hippodrome, for their opening night, and wow wow WOW.
From the moment the curtain rose, the audience let the cast know ‘we are letting you know we are here, and ready to play out part’. The atmosphere was amazing, the energy from the cast and audience was great and I was gratefully carried through 2 hours of utter chaos!
Performances and Cast in The Rocky Horror Show
Richard O’Brien’s musical masterpiece is still going strong some 50 years later! With Adam Strong taking the helm as the iconic Frank N Furter, and Alex Hetherington and Lauren Chia playing the ever so… vanilla, Brad and Janet.
Strong gave a … really strong performance, his vocals and acting were equally great and there were several moments throughout the show that had me laughing so hard! His Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent made his so likeable, and really brought an extra edge to his performance.
Similarly Hetherington and Chia worked wonderfully opposite eachother hitting those key moments out of the park. Their cutes-y energy read really well at the start of the show and when … hit the fan, their freaky side came out too! A really well played duo!
Natasha Hoeberigs did a great job at playing the ever so dominant Magenta / Usherette. I am spoiled at the beginning of the show as Science Fiction / Double Feature is my favourite number and Hoeberigs NAILED IT!
The rest of the cast, including Morgan Jackson (Rocky), Jayme-LeeZanoncelli (Columbia), Edward Bullingham (Eddie + Dr Scott) and Job Greuter (Riff Raff) do a great job in pulling the story together and playing their parts. Each member of the cast brings their A-Game to this show and really give their all.
Staging, Set Design and Visual Spectacle
The lighting design for this show really seemed to be amped up! The use of haze, disco balls and special effects lighting really worked wonders on this show and turned the Hippodrome’s auditorium into a dreamy, extra terrestrial space hub! Similarly the set worked really well and this time, the transitions seemed smoother and more refined than ever before.
One thing I will say is the costumes all seem a little cheaper this time around. The frilled corsets are now pleather looking short corsets. The boas seem to have lost their volume and Riff Raffs costume looked like the fancy dress outfit you can buy. The visual elements of this show are what sets it apart from other shows, in its whacky nature, but this kind of took me out of the Rocky bubble a bit.
The Rocky Horror Show Experience
The Rocky Horror Show continues to be a thrilling, boundary-pushing, mind f@ck of an experience that celebrates individuality, freedom, and queer joy. I left the Darlington Hippodrome singing, laughing, and dancing, as much as I did the first time I saw the show. Whether you’re a devoted fan or a Rocky Horror virgin, this production is sure to leave you craving more, more, more, more!
Accesibility
The show is REALLY loud, in terms of both audio and visuals. The music is loud, the sound effects are sudden and the singing sometimes can be overwhelming. The lighting and special effects can also be a bit overwhelming. A tip for if you are wanting to have a slightly diluted experience, in terms of sensory triggers, sit towards the back of the stalls or in the upper seating areas.
Value for money
The show has tickets up to £49.00 for premium seats. We were sat in the clear view seats at £34 and I do think the show was worth it. I just would have liked to have seen the lush and plush costumes we are used to, as a rocky fan.
All in all a great show, some really stellar moments and I can not wait to return to that cooky castle some time soon!
You can get your tickets for the show on the Hippodromes website.
Have your say!
Have you seen Rocky Horror Show on tour? What did you think? Let me know in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
As always, please be respectful of each other’s opinions and be kind to each other. I completely respect and value everyone that worked on this show. Bullying will not be tolerated and harmful language will be removed.
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