The Grand Theatre Blackpool – until 16 May 2026
Reviewed by Debra Skelton
5*****
Since its debut in London in 1973, The Rocky Horror Show, written by Richard O’Brien, has become a global phenomenon. The production has been staged in cities across the world and was quickly followed by a hugely successful film adaptation just two years after its original opening.
The show opens with an Usherette (Laura Bird) positioned in front of the curtain, performing Science Fiction/Double Feature. This introduction frames the performance as though the audience is about to watch a movie. The set design by Hugh Durrant reinforces this cinematic concept, featuring a backdrop styled like a strip of film, with the orchestra seated above it.
We are introduced to Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, a wholesome, newly engaged couple, setting out on a road trip after attending a friend’s wedding. When their car breaks down during a storm, they seek help at a nearby, ominous castle. Inside, they stumble upon a raucous annual convention hosted by the castle’s residents—strange, flamboyant characters led by the charismatic and provocative Dr. Frank‑N‑Furter, a self‑described Sweet Transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania.
Brad and Janet are drawn into the chaos as Frank‑N‑Furter unveils his latest experiment: Rocky, a physically perfect man artificially created in a lab. The celebration quickly turns surreal. Brad and Janet are separated, manipulated, and tempted, each confronting experiences that challenge their conservative views on sex, relationships, and self‑control.
The household also includes Frank’s disillusioned servants Riff Raff and Magenta, the mysterious groupie Columbia, and biker‑turned‑rebel Eddie, whose unexpected return disrupts Frank’s plans and escalates tensions inside the castle.
As the story progresses, Frank‑N‑Furter exerts total control over his guests, revealing a deep fear of loneliness and loss beneath his flamboyance. Brad and Janet begin to shed their innocence, exploring desire and moral ambiguity. Eventually, Riff Raff and Magenta lead a revolt, exposing Frank’s true origins and condemning his excesses. The film ends with the shattered survivors crawling through the ruins of the castle, having been permanently changed by the night’s events.
Stephen Webb (who played the leading role of Dr Frank ’N’ Furter) had a really strong and demanding voice. Whenever he appeared it was if he commanded your attention and he didn’t have to try hard to get it. Even during the quieter moments, he still had this intense stage presence that left you wanting more. The chemistry between Haley Flaherty (Janet) and James Bisp (Brad) was evident from the start to finish but also, they gave good depictions of their characters on a separate basis.
The real stand out performance however was given by the Narrator, who at this performance was played by Nathan Caton. The Narrator gets the most interaction with the audience as he comes on stage to help further the plot. As he reads the next part of the story from a big book he carries, he is interrupted by the audience shouting back at him. The way he interacted with the audience was absolutely incredible and his quick, witty responses left me in tears of laughter and wanting more. The comedic timing from him was on point every time as he gave you regional themed jokes and improvisation based on the reaction he got from the audience.
A special shout out also goes to the incredible supporting cast Ryan Carter-Wilson (Riff Raff), Laura Bird (Magenta), Daisy Steere (Columbia), Morgan Jackson (Rocky) and Edward Bullingham (Eddie / Dr Scott).
Ultimately, The Rocky Horror Show is a joyfully queer production with something to offer everyone, whether they’re seasoned fans fluent in every callout or newcomers encountering Dr Frank N Furter for the very first time. The cast deliver an outstanding and unforgettable performance, honouring a legacy that began over fifty years ago at London’s Royal Court Theatre. I can’t wait to don my dancing shoes and do the Time Warp again in the future.