UK Theatre Network

Richard O’Brien’s  Rocky Horror Show

Produced by Bill Kenwright

Directed By Christopher Luscombe

Reviewed by Sue Marks at Milton Keynes Theatre on Monday 5^th October 2009.

What can I say about the Rocky Horror Show? If you don’t know and love it then you should do yourself a favour and go to see it. If like me and I suspect the majority of the audience you do know and love it, you will not be disappointed with this production. Naturally there are concerns about the role of Frank n Furter which Tim Curry made so much his own both on stage and in the Rocky Horror picture show. However, these concerns are unfounded as David Bedella is superb in this his second tour (he took the role in 2006/7) as Frank n Furter.

The other person who talks directly to the audience is the Narrator, a part taken by Steve Pemberton perhaps best known for his role in the League of Gentlemen. Again an excellent performance and I doubt I will ever forget him telling a heckler to “save your breath as you’ll need it tonight to blow up your girlfriend”.

The show is opened by Kara Lane as the usherette and it is only because I have a programme that I know she also takes the role of Magenta as she gives two wonderful but entirely different performances.

We then see Janet and Brad ably played by Hayley Flaherty and Mark Evans, supported by the Phantoms who whilst not having a major part do make a major contribution to the ambience (and are the understudies). A car journey, a flat tyre and a hike in the rain see Janet and Brad arriving at Frank n Furter’s castle. Personally I’ve always wondered why a Transylvanian castle is sat happily in the American countryside but sometimes you just have to suspend disbelief. The door is opened by Riff-Raff played by Brian McCann and they quickly meet Frank n Furter’s other servants Magenta and Columbia played by Ceris Hine. The remaining characters are Rocky played by Dominic Tribuzio and Eddie played by Nathan Amzi who also takes the role of Dr Scott.

This show relies heavily upon its music and therefore needs an excellent band, which are:  Steve Hill Musical Director/Keyboards, Dave Webb Saxophones, Steve Willingham Guitars, Ron Humphrey Bass Guitar and Paul Matthews Drums. The musicians were situated on a mezzanine at the back of the stage which made them an integral part of the show.

The scenery and props were simple but effective; in particular excellent use was made of fabric upon wooden frames which when lit from the back was virtually transparent but lit from the front made extremely effective wood panelling. I particularly liked the minimalist car which effectively consisted of four wheels, two seats, a radiator grille and a pair of hand operated windscreen wipers (but interestingly no windscreen).   Another excellent touch was the monitor screens, steam punk in style and used to enable some excellent cartoon work and puppetry. Perhaps the most obvious and heavily used scenery were the ladders which could be moved about the stage and were rendered more interesting by having gaps and partial rungs.

Excellent use was made of lighting including spotlights held by the phantoms at one stage. Effects were limited but appropriate and included thunder, lightening and the use of a smoke machine.

The costumes are vital to the Rocky experience and this production was no exception. There were slight changes from the original, for instance Magenta wore a rather fetching black lace number rather than the French maid’s outfit of the original, which may possibly have been disconcerting for those members of the audience wearing maid outfits. Traditionally the Rocky ethos encourages audience participation and some of the audience had dressed for the occasion which is fun. However, a few people at the front stood up to dance and wave lighters around and whilst I’m not a killjoy I wasn’t sorry the usher discouraged this. I’m sure the people sitting behind them were relieved too. Any reasonable person would be aware that if they stand up the people sitting behind them will be unable to see. Some people seem to think that fulfilling their personal pleasure overrides the rights of others.  When challenged they react as if people are being mean to them. At the end of the show many people stood up which I consider an appropriate time for such audience participation.

This is a really excellent production that is not to be missed.

Rocky Horror Show plays Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 10^th October 2009. Milton Keynes Theatre Box Office 0844 871 7652 (bkg fee).

The tour then continues playing Bromley – Churchill Theatre from October 12^th to 17^th 2009.

www.miltonkeynestheatre.com www.rockyhorror.co.uk

Reviewed by Sue Marks at Milton Keynes Theatre on Monday 5^th October 2009 on behalf of Catherine Brian.