Southampton Mayflower – until 25 March 2023
Reviewed by Lucy Hitchcock
5***** (because I can’t give more than 5!))
Richard O’Briens cult classic Rocky Horror Show comes to Southampton and does not disappoint!
This exceptional cast starring Richard Meek as Brad, Hayley Flaherty as Janet, Stephen Webb as Frank’n’Furter and Kristian Lavercombe as Riff Raff is a treat for the eyes and ears! With their fabulous rapport on stage mixed with comedic timing to die for and brilliant voices,this is the best touring production you will find!
Narrated by Phillip Frank, you are taken on a strange journey that you will never forget! Phillip Frank is a comedy genius, expertly navigating the audience participation and creating an uproar of laughter! He is, quite simply, the driving force of this production. You can see how he thrives off the shout outs from the audience, and always brings something new to the stage with his witty remarks! Kristian Lavercombe is an exceptional actor and embodies RiffRaff perfectly. He has performed this role over 2000 times and it is evident how much pride he feels when performing. He has such pizzazz and stage quality that it is difficult not to watch him at all times! Stephen Webb is a great Frank N Furter, with sex appeal that tantalises the audience from the moment he steps on stage. His embodiment of the iconic Frank is superb – with his own little twist on the role, he has fully embraced the stockings, suspenders and heels to bring Frank to the audience! Richard Meek and Hayley Flaherty as Brad and Janet, are the perfect casting and both delight with their renditions of ‘Toucha Touch me’ and ‘Once in a while’. This is not my first time seeing Rocky Horror (actually my 30th!) and it was a joy to see how there have been some developments in songs, with an addition to ‘Once in a While’ with Janet singing alongside Brad in a wistfully longing manner. Both of these actors never falter and make for the perfect combination couple.
Sue Blane’s costume design is exquisite – with an incredible amount of sequins and stockings, it adds so much to the show. The incredible heels that the characters all wear are beautiful and it is a true testament to the men in the production that they are able to dance expertly in each pair!
This show is perfectly headed by the extensive creatives that help the show run smoothly-namely Simon Holmes, Rebecca Spiller and Charlie Bennett, who as Stage Managers make this production seamless and faultless.
This is an incredible show, one that I have (and will!) watch multiple times and never get bored! If you want sex, sequins and are in the mood to ‘Time Warp’ this is not to be missed! If I could rate it higher than 5 stars, there would be no question that I would!! I cannot wait to come back and see it later on this week – fully adorned in sequins, corset and feather boa! If there is only one show you see this year, this NEEDS to be the one you choose!!