Bristol Hippodrome – until 22 June 2019
Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock
5***** because that’s the limit but it would be a million if I could!!!!!!!
Richard O’Brien’s cult classic Rocky Horror has beamed into Bristol for a limited time to allow you to do the Time Warp!
This classic sees an extremely talented cast including Kristian Lavercombe as ‘RiffRaff’, a role he has performed over 1400 times, Joanne Clifton and James Darch as our romantic leads Brad and Janet and Duncan James as ‘Frank’n’Furter’ to name a few; each and every member of this cast is extraordinary.
Narrated by Dom Joly, Rocky Horror is full of sex, fun, hilarity and heel offering the chance for the audience to heckle the cast to provide an interactive experience for all. Dom Joly is a perfect narrator, he handles and encourages the audience participation with ease and each night has an ad-lib with the audience when an answer he doesn’t expect is shouted out.
Kristian Lavercombe as RiffRaff is exceptional. His talent and incredible singing is not to be missed in this role and lends a performance that I can never get bored of. His comic timing is spot on and during the Over at the Frankenstein Place he gives the audience a glimpse of why he has been in the production over 1400 times. Lavercombe is an amazing actor, one that uplifts and holds the show to the standard it is through his acting of the highest calibre. He truly is a star and I cannot wait to return to the show to see him perform again. Together with Laura Harrison as his sister ‘Magenta’,this duo is a treat to watch. Their performances are in sync and with the talent that flows through them both, it is a wonder how they do it each night!
Joanne Clifton and James Darch as ‘Janet’ and ‘Brad’ had the perfect mix of romance and vulnerability and with a little hint of humour, we saw a great story unfold. They are both extremely talented and with show off pieces such as Toucha Touch Me and Once in a While we see the extent of their skill, providing a wonderful audience experience.
Duncan James, as ‘Frank’n’Furter’ is superb. He absolutely melted into the role, creating a seamlessly sexy performance to tantalise your tastebuds and is a feast for the eyes and ears. James, with his platformed heels, fitted corset and flowing feather boa, pranced around the stage as if he was at home-it was a joy to see such a passion for the role he was playing and I forgot I was watching him; he really was ‘Frank’! Along with Callum Evans as our eponymous ‘Rocky’, this was quite the combo. Evans was completely fascinating as he backflipped, somersaulted and leapt across the stage with ease, making the majority of the audience weak in the knees, hoping he would pick them up!
This is by far, one of the best shows around at the minute and no amount of Stars could encourage you to go and see it! I have never been so entranced by a production before and with the current cast, this is THE one to watch and one you will remember-for a very long time.