David Freeman Photo by David Freeman
OUR VERDICT
I arrived in Woking to see The Rocky Horror Show after a long day at work, soberly dressed in T-shirt and jeans. I quickly realized my mistake. Weaving their way into the theatre were audience members (both male and female) dressed in corsets, wigs, stockings and thigh-high boots, leaving me feeling about as square as Brad and Janet. I hastily purchased a glittery gold top hat and a bright red feather boa. Moulting feathers and glitter, I felt more at home.
And really, getting involved was part of the fun. Dressed in their weird and wacky costumes, heckling the actors and waving their props, it’s clear that Rocky Horror fans are a devoted bunch. This excellent production made it easy to see why.
For the uninitiated, The Rocky Horror Show follows Brad and Janet, a wholesome all-American couple with a picture-perfect life. One stormy evening their car breaks down and they’re forced to take shelter in a mysterious castle. Here, they encounter a band of sexually fluid aliens led by the deranged Frank N Furter, decked out in corset, stockings and heels. What follows is a bizarre musical romp complete with seduction, murder and mayhem, a sustained and joyous attack on the straight-laced and the square.
The cast is excellent. Dom Joly as the narrator banters with the audience, delivering dry quips about everything from Brexit to the state of his own career. Stephen Webb makes a wonderfully predatory Frank N Furter, prowling across the stage with crackling energy and performing a genuinely moving rendition of “I’m going home”. Ben Adams is brilliant as Brad, while Strictly stalwart Joanne Clifton reveals a killer singing voice as Janet. They make these potentially unrewarding roles their own. Callum Evans as Rocky is also a delightful surprise, somersaulting across the stage, performing back-flips on demand, and delivering some marvellous feats of athleticism. A special mention also goes to Laura Harrison, who opened the show in style with a powerful rendition of “Science fiction/ double feature”, as well as giving us a great Magenta.
The production is a feast for the eyes. The costumes have been designed by Sue Blane, Costume Director of the original 1973 Rocky Horror Show. Every character sparkles in colourful costumes, from Rocky’s tiny golden briefs to the Magenta’s metallic silver space suit. The set is also wonderful, a roll of film unfurling along the top of the stage, partially shielding the band from view. Whether it’s a futuristic lab or a decadent ballroom, it’s never boring.
Camp and crazy it may be, but The Rocky Horror Show evidently has a global resonance – it’s been performed in over 30 countries, translated into 20 languages and commands legions of devoted fans (many of whom seemed to be in the audience at Woking). Its sly, subversive attack on all things prim and proper has certainly lost none of its power, and only the most moralistic grinches would refuse to get out of their seats to dance the time warp.
Venue: New Victoria Theatre, Woking
Dates: 4 March - 9 March