New Wimbledon Theatre- until Saturday 5th July 2025
Reviewed by Brooke Burlinge
5*****
New Wimbledon Theatre brings you the truly astounding and fantastic The Rocky Horror Show. A beloved production that happens to be very close to many people’s hearts, evident now that it’s reached its 50th anniversary and is still insanely popular. Additionally, to this day it is still making history as the longest-running theatrical release of all time. The show is phenomenal with fishnets galore, a multitude of tight corsets and very exaggerated makeup! Alongside, the whole audience coming together as one community together, many dressed up and many knowing the iconic shoutouts for the audience participation.
The show is a non-stop whirlwind of cheeky humour and unexpected laughs. The Narrator (Nathan Caton) plays the part perfectly, with his witty comebacks at the audience, sharp commentary on a few current affairs here and there, as well as a few comments and his sexual humour leaving the audience caught off guard and laughing at many times.
Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Jason Donovan) was slightly maniacal and demented with a hint of charisma and glamour, the perfect combination for the character in my opinion. Quite frankly, Jason Donovan owned the show throughout, and I was living for every minute of it, as I’m sure the rest of the audience was. His powerful vocals and expressive performance pay tribute to the legendary Tim Curry, Yet Donovan brings his own, personal unique flair, delivering an unhinged version of the character. While keeping elements of Curry’s iconic accent and allure, Donovan blends it with his own twist.
The production starts with the iconic introduction song- Science Fiction Double Feature. Before we’re introduced to Brad (Alex Hetherington) and Janet (Stacey Monahan). Both actors played their characters particularly well, playing into the characterisation as well as the absurdity of the scenes. Stacey Monahan instantly gave me goosebumps as soon as she began to sing, emulating the character of Janet through her mannerisms and the innocence she adds at the beginning of the performance. I also found Alex Hetherington particularly charming in this show, his vocals complimenting Stacey Monahan’s flawlessly, enhancing the magical feel of the play.
I also loved Riff Raff (Job Greuter) and Magenta (Natasha Hoeberigs), both bringing a significant amount of humour, vocals and an appeal and magnetism about them. Both actors brought the fabulousness needed for the performance. In addition, Columbia (Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli) and Rocky (Morgan Jackson) just made the show all the more better. Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli wowed the audience with her tapping skills; I was completely outstanding by the sheer talent of that moment. Morgan Jackson play Rocky amazingly, adding tricks here and there- such as backflips, making the audience gasp in awe. We also had Eddie and Dr Scott (both played by Edward Bullingham) both characters were played very well, and although they weren’t on stage as much as other characters, left a certain wonder on the stage and show as a whole.
I also feel the need to mention the rest of the cast, without them the production would not be as remarkable as it was and I can certainly tell the amount of work each and every one of them has put into making this a memorable performance, and memorable it certainly was! Lastly, at the performance I went to, there was a sign language interpreter who I am unsure of his name but I must say he was wonderful, interacting with The Narrator at times in a extremely funny manner, he was tremendous and I felt the need to mention him as he was just as much part of the show as the rest of the cast.
This rendition of The Rocky Horror Show has evolved with the times, embracing modern sensibilities (as well as lunacies) while preserving the classic elements that all fans of Rocky Horror hold dear. It continues to encourage us to embrace our differences, celebrate individuality and simply just have a bit of fun. I’m honoured for this performance to have been my first time seeing The Rocky Horror Show in the theatre. Without a doubt, this is a show for many, whether it be a returning fan, or a newcomer. So, grab your lipstick, tighten your corset and let’s do the Time Warp again!