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Last night, I was invited to review the UK Touring production of the ‘Rocky Horror Show’ at the New Victoria Theatre Woking for their Press Night! We had a very warm reception from the entire team at Woking - and were even given ‘glow sticks’ to join in with the fun, if you know, you know!
The Rocky Horror show was created in 1973 by Richard O’Brien and premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in London - and from that has grown into a hugely popular movie and stage musical that has a massive cult following! It follows the story of newly engaged couple Brad and Janet, who upon their car blowing a tyre, stumble across the mysterious home of Dr. Frank-N-Furter…A ‘Sweet Transvestite, from Transexual Transylvania’. They encounter Frank’s latest creation, a muscular man named Rocky - and what follows in the story is a hilarious and intriguing satirical sci-fi!
This is my 3rd time seeing this particular production of the Rocky Horror Show, and let me say that it never gets old! I have giggled in my seat just as much as I did the very first time I saw it. For me, that is when you know that a show has hit the comedy mark perfectly.
The great thing about ‘Rocky Horror’ is that it isn’t trying to be a massive scale musical when it comes to the set, but the set that we see is greatly immersive and fits the bill so well for the audience. This is the same with the lighting, which I always enjoy because of the colours - and they do a great job of achieving the sci-fi feel with the colourful beams too.
Stephen Webb leads the cast once again in the role of Frank-N-Furter. Now, for me, Webb is the ultimate Frank! He embodies the character incredibly well - the eccentricities and humour was all there and he often plays homage to Tim Curry’s performance from the movie whilst keeping everything original and within his own version of the character. This is the 3rd time I have been lucky enough to see Stephen Webb perform this role, and I think he does it impeccably!
As the Narrator, we were treated to comedian, Nathan Caton, who tackled this role like a legend! The Narrator in ‘Rocky Horror’ has to deal with much of the Audience participation and Caton did so, with his comedy chops, and I was rolling in the isles.. I won’t spoil it, but if you can get to see his improvisations, i’d recommend that you do.. Because they are hilarious.
Brad Majors is played by Connor Carson who brings a new energy and physical comedy to the role. Carson’s characterisation was fun, and brought everything that we all expect Brad to be! His onstage chemistry with Erica Wild as Janet was lovely to see and it really gives the audience something believable when setting up their romance at the beginning of the show.
Erica Wild in the role of Janet is wonderful. I personally think that Wild brings herself to this role and gave Janet a bit more of a bubbly personality which is great to see, oftentimes I would catch the pair of these lovers dancing together at the side, during numbers in Frank’s lab particularly, and it adds a new depth to their characters for sure!
Job Greuter plays Riff Raff in such a creepy, abnormal and freaky way, as you would expect. Greuter’s vocal talent is not ignored and often received large cheers from the audience who got much more than they were expecting when Riff Raff opened his mouth (*not an innuendo*). I think with a character like Riff Raff, it is the little moments that characterise him the most, and things like when Rocky hands him the heavy stool, and he drags it offstage, was one of these little golden gems from Greuter!
Opening the show as the Usherette and then entertaining us as Magenta is the fabulously talented Natasha Hoeberigs and I have to say, the differentiation between the two roles was brilliant, you almost could have believed she was a complete different performer!
And finishing off the gang is Columbia played by Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli who really brought this role to life and gave her all. I really enjoyed her tapping during ‘Time Warp’ too! Zanoncelli’s energy is seriously unmatched.
Rocky is played by Morgan Jackson who I have previously seen in Heathers as ‘Ram Sweeney’ and it was awesome to see Jackson take on a new role! His vocals in ‘The Sword of Damocles’ were strong and pleasing to the ear.
Edward Bullingham plays the pairing of Dr Scott and Eddie bringing lots of energy, comedy and stellar vocals, which particularly pleased the audience as Eddie is definitely a fan favourite.
Rounding off the cast, and not to be forgotten is the outstanding ensemble made up of Ryan Carter-Wilson, Arthur Janes, Hollie Nelson and Stacey Monahan who all have insane dancing skills and created creepy phantom characters to populate the stage.
Overall, this is a must-see, as many times as you possibly can see it. I have now seen this show 3 times, and each time I see it, I absolutely love it! The audience participations vary from Venue to venue, and having seen it in both the North and the South now.. It is brilliant to see which bits certain areas like to shout to and also the ones in common. The cast are incredible and the music is catchy and fun!
Catch the Rocky Horror Show on it’s UK Tour now.. It is in Woking until Saturday with tickets available here. Before continuing on with its tour which you can find information on here.
Thank you for reading my thoughts, I’d love to encourage you to check out my social pages for more stagey content!
12th November 2024
Robbie Davies | Robbie’s Backstage Bants
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