The Rocky Horror Show – Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Let’s do the time warp again… and again and again; for 53 years, audiences have been doing the Time Warp, and it doesn’t look like they will be stopping anytime soon! With another tour of the biggest cult musical of all time, audiences up and down the nation are singing and dancing along with their favourite songs once more. But does this tour live up to the ones that came before it?

Rocky Horror Show, when originally written in 1973, was so far ahead of its time. Yes, it was written during the height of people’s love of all things sci-fi, with the American space race and the release of shows like Star Trek. But it features themes that would have flown in the face of many people’s sensibilities at the time and may even make people uncomfortable today. Freedom of expression, crossdressing, fluid gender identities and open displays of homosexuality all introduce people to a whole new queer world of music, dance and expression.

In order to bring all this to life once more for a new tour, it needs a strong cast, a cast full of joy and enthusiasm, a willingness to go crazy and just embrace the insanity of this whirlwind show. On the whole, the ensemble is great; they bring the iconic looks to life and belt out classic song after classic song with serious passion and excitement. And there is definitely a stand-out performer: Stephen Webb as Frank N Furter, who is simply incredible. His Frank is as full of charm, desire and sex appeal as the part demands. He lights up the stage at every moment with his presence, his facial expressions and changes of accent, and, with over-the-top emotional outbursts, he adds so much humour to the madness; it is hard to ever look away from him. A special mention too to Jesse Chidera who steps in to play the role of Rocky for the otherwise indisposed original actor and performs the role admirably.

The use of a narrator is clever, adding much-needed context and understanding to what is undoubtedly a wild and crazy ride that has the potential to leave the audience in the dark, confused and disconnected. Jackie Clune does a brilliant job. She is funny and full of banter, and though she is not involved in many of the song and dance numbers, she still seems to embrace the energy of the evening, unafraid to get a little risqué with her banter in response to heckles from the audience.

There are some first-night teething problems with the audio, which made it difficult to hear the song lyrics over the background music, occasionally creating a quite overwhelming soundscape, making the room feel like it was shaking or experiencing some kind of tremor.

Despite this, the production is otherwise successful. The lighting, deserving a special mention, is overseen by Nick Richings and is amazing in its use of lights in different ways to invoke different atmospheres, from the bright and colourful dance party or rave lighting to the serene late-night starlight. Of course, one cannot talk about the production of Rocky Horror Show without mentioning the costume designs, such iconic looks from the amazing Sue Blane. Her attention to detail and ability to invoke that classic punk era look that is a sight to behold: doing what she has been doing since the original show and continues to ace it now.

Overall, the show is well worth watching and experiencing; whether you are a Rocky Horror virgin or a veteran of the show, there is something for everyone to love, and this cast and crew live up to the hype and reputation of the original and succeed in continuing its long history as a cultural staple and favourite.