King’s Theatre, Edinburgh – until Saturday 26th February
Reviewed by Ellen Searle
4****
You can’t go wrong with the Rocky Horror Show. It’s a unique theatrical event, with stomping songs, a pacey plot, classic one liners and audience participation – all this and stockings and suspenders too, what more could you want? For the two or possibly three people who are interested enough to read a review and have somehow not have come across the stage or film version of Richard O’Brien’s creative love child in the past five decades, the story begins as all American, newly engaged Brad and Janet find themselves with a flat tyre in a thunderstorm. They seek help at a nearby mysterious castle, which turns out to be inhabited by mad transvestite scientist, Frank’n’Furter, and his wild and weird entourage. The ultimate conformists come up against the ultimate rebels (ahem), in this still subversive romp of a show.
This performance, directed by Christopher Luscombe, features an array of singing and performing talents, with Stephen Webb as Frank’n’Furter, and 2016 Strictly Come Dancing winner Ore Oduba as Brad. Haley Flaherty sings exceptionally as Janet, and is delightfully convincing in every aspect of Janet’s journey from saint to sinner. Kristian Lavercombe has a record breaking over 1800 performances as Riff Raff under his belt, and he seems made to play the part, the audience savouring his inch perfect performance as this iconic character. The real star is arguably Philip Franks, holding the reins as the Narrator. His authoritative and calming presence balances the high octane antics of the transexual Transylvanians and their visitors, with his jokes and retorts to the audience a joy, just on the right side of bad taste, and delivered with impeccable timing.
Of course, with the Rocky Horror Show, those on stage are only part of the performance.
Somewhat surprisingly for the traditionally more buttoned up Edinburgh audience, participation was enthusiastic, loud and suitably naughty. Audience outfits were a sight to behold, ranging from fishnets and a boa, to full on Columbias, Magentas, Frank’n’Furters and even a few magnificent Rockys. And this was only Monday night!
While the audience gave their all, there could have been a bit more from the on stage costumes. I want my Rocky spray tanned, I want my Frank’n’Furter to be on at least four inch platforms, and when he has brought about Eddie’s grizzly end, I want more than a spattering of blood on his chest. Similarly, the staging felt a little lacking. Even my first viewing at Dundee Rep in 1986 involved a much more dramatic laser show, and considerably more sequins.
Still, the Rocky Horror Show always delivers, and there is no doubt that show virgins and long time fans alike will be highly entertained, and up on their feet Time Warping like a pro by the end.