A Guest Review of Rocky Horror Show at the Ipswich Regent Theatre by Laura Locke
To have a real impact for me a theatrical production has to be a holistic experience. When I enter the foyer of a west end theatre environment I am wrapped in its historical splendour.
Ipswich Regent in its beautiful new refurbished state, creates the perfect environment for that experience to begin as one crosses the threshold. The foyer and bar are a beautiful blue with white detail, losing none of the character of the original design and is fresh and inviting. The bar staff smile and serve appropriately themed smoothies, the auditorium seats are comfortable and well spaced and the ushers are friendly and helpful.
Then with an enormous blast of sound we are thrust in to the Rocky Horror Show.. and then we know we are in good hands.
50 years since the first outing would the show seem dated? The audience with noisy enthusiastic participation, were out for a good time; many dressed to impress, and were very vocal with customary heckling, which for the un- initiated may seem rude and annoying.
But throw yourself into Frank n Furter’s world of the Time Warp and Sweet Transvestite from transsexual Transylvania, lace up your basque and fasten your suspenders, you’re in for a wild ride.
Photo Credit: David Freeman
Directed by Christopher Luscombe, responsible for the show for 19 years, who says he wants every production to feel ‘freshly minted’, and although I have seen the film many times and the show the last time it was in Ipswich I can honestly say it felt fresh, and current, in spite of having been first created half a century ago, and way before its time.
Photo Credit: David Freeman
Brad and Janet, a fresh young betrothed couple are stranded when their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere on the way to see their old college tutor and of course they happen to be near a spooky castle.
Wanting to use the phone they become embroiled in an alien world.
Jackie Clune as narrator (some of her many credits include BBC TVs ‘Motherland’) handles hecklers with aplomb and clever comebacks.
Hayley Flaherty as Janet and James Bisp as Brad have impressive theatre portfolios, and gave us great comic timing combined with skilled physicality and vocal performance.
Photo Credit: David Freeman
Tim Curry must always be a hard act to follow as Frank.. but Stephen Carter has an enormously powerful stage presence and physique and a voice that shifts from rocking to ballad with great ease and musicality.
Laura Bird as Usher and Magenta and recently graduated Ryan Carter Wilson as Riff Raff both produced performances with high impact and energy.
And watch out for Morgan Jackson as Rocky with beautiful physique and athleticism and Daisy Steere as Columbine – her excellent exit is hilarious.
Photo Credit: David Freeman
With an adaptable and attractive set design, creative choreography and costumes, and stunning lighting design, and music that rocks your soul, this production truly is a holistic experience, bringing the West End to Ipswich. And yes I did the time warp!
The Rocky Horror Show runs at the Ipswich Regent until 31st January – for details and tickets visit their website
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