It is refreshing to see a timeless classic like The Rocky Horror Picture Show being appreciated by younger generations. When Richard O’Brien first wrote it, it was way ahead of its time and became a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community. At a time when representation of the community is far more widespread, Rocky Horror’s enduring appeal shows just how subversive and important it was. The show was put on by the Edinburgh University Theatre Company at the Bedlam Theatre: a beautiful way to honour Tim Curry (the original Frank ‘n’ Furter), who has only recently passed away.
The production was staged by students who took on the legacy of one of the most recognisable musicals around. They respected its traditions, creating a semi-interactive experience where things were thrown into the crowd, water guns were used to simulate the rain during Over at the Frankenstein Place, and hecklers screamed at the actors (“Brad Majors!” “Asshole!”). It preserved one of the most interesting aspects of Rocky Horror: the audience participation.
While the acting was sometimes overdone, this is perhaps to be expected with such iconic and excessive characters. Facial expressions, line delivery and pronunciation quirks are all part of the comedy. Among the notable performances, Lil Hodge as Frank ‘n’ Furter brought an expressive new dimension to the character. Max Middleton brought a great sense of humour to Brad Majors, while Oliver Mason’s asides as the Narrator were particularly entertaining. Charlotte Senior as Janet Weiss preserved the high-pitched tone that characterised Susan Sarandon’s performance.The music was played live, which is perhaps the most impressive thing about this rendition. The musicians were behind the stage, exposed to the audience and forming part of the scenography itself. Watching them master the entirety of the musical, beat by beat, live on stage was a real highlight of the production.
All in all, this is an ambitious production from a crew of young actors working with limited resources, and a thoughtful homage to a classic musical.
Runs until 26 September 2026 | Image: Andrew Morris
