Since it first started, almost 50 years ago, I have been lucky enough to have seen The Rocky Horror Show many times, so I was thrilled to see that Theatre Royal Brighton had been included in the 2021 tour. So, with an ankle length cape, fishnets, ridiculously high stilettos and way too much make up on, I head off to reacquaint myself with a show that feels like a dear old friend.
All of the elements of previous productions are here and, yes, the show is more sexy and sassy than it ever was before but, in the 2021 tour, there is something extra. Maybe it’s just because everyone is so happy that, after such a long, enforced break, Rocky Horror is back but there is an overwhelming buzz of excitement in the auditorium – yes, even more than there usually is!
After Trixie the Usherette delivers a perfect rendition of the opening number, Science Fiction/Double Feature she opens the curtain to reveal the “wedding scene”, and the first thing that we notice are the colours. An almost cartoon-like set is dominated by a car and features a large American church, which quickly morphs into the “Frankenstein Place” after a flat tyre forces the events of the evening to unfold.
Ore Oduba delivers a convincingly nerdy performance as Brad Majors. At the same time as he obviously relishes the “geekiness” of the role, he also delivers faultless vocals in his version of Once in a While.
Brad’s girlfriend, Janet Weiss, is played by Haley Flaherty. She transforms well from sweet and innocent girl-next-door into… well, let’s just say that she’s a girl with a lot of love to give! One of the recipients of her enthusiastic advances is Ben Westhead, who dresses in the famous leopard skin Speedos, and shows off his bulging muscles, as Rocky.
Dr Frank ‘N’ Furter is the cornerstone of The Rocky Horror Show’s success and Stephen Webb is enthusiastically welcomed to the stage with his signature number, Sweet Transvestite. Tall and toned he throws off the cape and, clad only in figure-hugging lingerie, he really looks every inch the part.
His vocals are powerful and his ability to walk perfectly in massive heels is to be commended but, for me, he could have been a little less “butch” in the role. When Rocky comes to life, his reaction was rather reserved. I understand that he is a man who has created this creature for his own sexual gratification, but faced with a near naked Rocky I would have expected a reaction similar to a seven year old who has just received everything they ever wanted for Christmas.
To counteract that, very slight, disappointment, Riff Raff (Kristian Lavercombe), Magenta (Suzie McAdam) and Columbia (Lauren Ingram) really step up to the plate and demonstrate their supreme talent. From the moment that Lavercombe blasts out his part in the wonderful There’s a Light right through to the dramatic finale, these three actors dominate scenes much more than is usual which is great for them, and really appreciated by the massively enthusiastic audience.
In the dual role of Eddie / Dr Scott, Joe Allen gives a fairly understated performance and seems a lot more comfortable as Dr Scott than he does as Eddie – although, if I was about to be chopped up with a chainsaw, maybe I would be a little hesitant as well!
One of the most unpredictable roles in the show has always been that of the Narrator. In the past it has been shared by a variety of celebrity performers and it now falls squarely on the shoulders of Philip Franks to deal with the “heckling”. It must help him that most of the heckles are as scripted as the show because, as they fly at him, he bats them away with the skill of a first-class cricketer and returns to his role with impeccable comic timing.
Rocky Horror has always had its cult following, and it always will, but the 2021 production, with a supremely talented cast who seem to be having the most incredibly fun time, has a little something extra to offer at a time when “the feelgood factor” has never been more important.
**** Four Stars