Hall for Cornwall, Truro – until 28 June 2025
Reviewed by Kerry Gilbert
5*****
‘An unmissable night of cheeky, chaotic, and utterly enjoyable theatre’
I was thrilled to watch The Rocky Horror Show for the first time at the wonderful Hall for Cornwall. The atmosphere was electric, with the audience really getting into the spirit, dressed to impress with an array of fabulous costumes. The show was written by Richard O’Brien and directed by Christopher Luscombe and it is the biggest party which features timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet, and of course, the pelvic thrusting showstopping Time Warp.
The musical follows Brad (Connor Carson) and Janet (Lauren Chia), a young, innocent couple and unsuspecting lovers who end up stranded at the mysterious castle of Dr Frank N Furter (Adam Strong), who is currently in the middle of his latest mad experiment. Along with the audience, they soon learn that just one encounter with him is a life changing and unforgettable one.
One of the standout performances comes from Nathan Caton as The Narrator. Caton brings a perfect blend of wit and charisma, skilfully navigating the shows more chaotic moments. Carson and Chia had fantastic vocals, gorgeous harmonies and delivered a charming and comedic performance with great emotional depth. Also, Job Greuter as Riff Raff, his excellent voice and talent as a dancer is immediately clear, but his ability to make the character simultaneously loveable and ominous is what drew me in. He plays the role of the loyal, if somewhat fed up, servant of Dr Frank N Furter with seamless contradictions.
The set and lighting elevate the experience to another level. Nick Richings’ vibrant, psychedelic lighting creates a visual extravaganza, adding to the surreal world that the show brings to life. Hugh Durrant’s set design expertly combines retro with futuristic elements, contributing to the fun that defines Rocky Horror. The choreography by Nathan M. Wright, despite the number of performers on stage, each character is always given room to shine and connect with the audience. Credit must also go to David Freeman for the wonderful production shots!
The show itself is pure fun. It’s silly and weird and doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is exactly what make it such a joy to watch. Get your tickets now for an unmissable night of cheeky, chaotic, and utterly enjoyable theatre!