I was a Rocky Horror Show virgin – until last night!
I have to confess I’ve never even seen the film. I roughly knew the story, and of course, I’d heard some of the more famous songs, but apart from that, I didn’t know what to expect, so I went with an open mind and a readiness to do the Timewarp.
Firstly, I didn’t realise there was a Rocky Horror Show ‘virgins’ guide online, and I wish I’d read it before I went, especially when the audience started shouting out ‘ad libs’ to the dialogue. I soon realised this was quite normal and actively encouraged. Luckily they were hilarious.
If you don’t know the story, then The Rocky Horror Show is a pastiche of 1950s and 60s American science fiction and B movie horror films with a bit of British sex comedy thrown in for good measure. Think ‘Plan 9 From Outer Space’ meets the ‘Confessions’ films!
Sweet as apple pie couple Brad and Janet are driving to see their old college professor Dr. Scott, when the car gets a flat tyre. They stumble upon a creepy mansion, home to Frank N Furter and his cohorts and end up having a night of terror, madness and sexual awakening.
This is the 50th-anniversary tour of Richard O’Brien’s phenomenon and the longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world. People flock to see it time and time again, and the fans did not disappoint last night, dressed up to the nines, singing along and calling out those well-known ‘ad libs’. It’s like an all inclusive, kinky, members club where anyone is welcome, and you ‘don’t dream it, be it’.
The production was a glittering mass of opulent dark pinks, reds and blacks with corsets, stocking tops and suspenders on full display. The overall look is decadent and sexy yet slightly sinister. The whole cast is terrific and having the best fun ever, there’s not a weak link among them, and all the voices are strong, clear and bright.
Stephen Webb steals the show as Frank N Furter, the ‘Sweet Transvestite’ from ‘Transsexual, Transylvania’. Haley Flaherty and Richard Meek as Janet and Brad are such a cute couple with terrific energy and powerful singing voices. I loved their transformations from all-American virginal sweethearts to pelvic thrusting lust-tempted teens.
Jackie Clune is magnificent as the narrator with a wonderfully sarcastic, almost school mistress tone to her voice. As the narrator she has to deal with most of the cheeky audience catcalls, and although she’s expecting it, she bats them back with panache and quick wit.
It doesn’t matter if you decide to dress up in the full gear of corset and suspenders or go in civvies ( just don’t wear stripes apparently), you’ll have a fun evening of great songs and naughty laughs. Leave your inhibitions by the door and let yourself go – as Frank N Furter says – ‘Give yourself over to absolute pleasure’.
The Rocky Horror Show runs at the Ipswich Regent until Saturday 7th October – for more details and to book tickets, click here for their website.
SUFFOLK THEATRE 