New Victoria Theatre Woking – until Saturday 22nd July 2023
Reviewed by Liberty Noke
5*****
The Rocky Horror Show has been a popular show for 50 years now with a very loving following. This is apparent from the moment you arrive at the theatre. As I walked up to the doors I was surrounded by people wearing outrageous costumes. They were dressed as characters from the show wearing corsets, stilettos and fishnets among other things and it is from this moment that you know you are in for a treat. People wouldn’t be making this much fuss for a musical that is simply mediocre.
The show opens with clean-cut characters Brad (Richard Meek) and Janet (Haley Flaherty), both of whom have incredible vocals, they are in the car on the way home from a wedding. When their car breaks down, they walk to a nearby house to ask for help but instead find quite the opposite. They are greeted by Riff Raff (Kristian Lavercombe) who invites them inside to meet Dr Frank N Further who it is revelaed is the master of the house. Stephen Webb who plays Frank makes a spectacular enterance to the stage. His performance of ‘sweet transvestite’ oozed sex appeal, he moved around the stage with perfect confidence setting the tone for the rest of the show.
Frank goes on to introduce Rocky played by Ben Westhead, a man Frank has created in his Lab. Chaos then ensues as Brad and Janet learn that they have entered a strange house and must decide whether to stick to their beliefs or give in to pleasure.
Rocky Horror is well known for being a show the audience can participate in. As the narrator (Philip Franks) speaks the audience shout back at him to add comedy to the show. Again this is testimony to how beloved this show is. Franks bounced off the audience as they shouted even making topical jokes about what was in the news. This just goes to show that even though this production is now half a century old it is keeping up with modern audiences.
The Time Warp is a beloved song from this musical and both times it is performed the entire audience were on their feet dancing and singing along. The atmosphere in the theatre was unlike at any other performance I have seen. Infact during almost every song the audience we waving or swaying along.
What makes this production such a success, I believe, is the commitment and performance of every actor. No one stood out because they were all so incredible from the vocals to the dancing to the confident way they held themselves, even in some unconventional costumes. I cannot fault the performance.
This is a production that has to be seen to be believed as there is nothing quite like it. Outrageously sexy and funny from the beginning it is utter filth but you will enjoy every second. I recommend buying a pair of stilettos and looking over the audience script before going but you absolutely must go! It’s the naughtiest show around.