The Rocky Horror Show is back in Manchester - full of chaos but full of life and energy.
Well, this will be interesting. The Rocky Horror Show is a very well-known name, probably for many different reasons in the musical world. And seeing this, not only for the first time but also knowing next to nothing about it, was an… experience to say the least.
I have seen multiple times that this show has a ‘cult following’; that is very much the case. I was very taken aback at first with the instant audience participation and shout-outs, as well as the extravagant costumes from some punters – the whole thing felt almost like a fever dream. Chaos, but full of life and energy, which was great to see!
The story is absolutely bonkers. I’m not sure if it entirely made sense to me, but that is not to say I didn’t enjoy it, and the chaos was actually very intoxicating.
The story follows Brad and Janet, a newly-engaged couple who have some car trouble and find themselves in the residence of Frank-n-Furter, a transvestite scientist played by the one and only Jason Donovan. A sentence I never thought I would type out.
The performance levels of this show were exceptionally high with energy, quirkiness and liberation. Brad and Janet were the perfect starting couple for this show. Over-the-top Americanisation combined with the perfect look of a newly-engaged couple on the cusp of being corrupted by the scenario they find themselves in. Played by Connor Carson and Lauren Chia respectively, these two were such a good compliment to each other and really did fit hand in hand, a lovely set of performances.
My particular favourite was The Narrator. Brought to life by Jackie Clune, this character was brilliantly normal. No extravagant costume, no outrageous number. Just her and the book. However, the constant audience interjection with some of the obscenest shouts I have ever heard (and can’t be written in a respectable review) was brilliantly played off by Clune. Every response locked and loaded – no wavering. Very funny and an excellent talent.
Now. Jason Donovon. The star or the show, and the name that everyone was there to see. This is his show, and reprising this role is clearly something that he loves. The way this role was embodied and received was very special to witness, and it is clear how special this is to Jason Donovan and his adoring Rocky Horror fans. I did enjoy the ad-lib and humour that came from his broken heel – the recovery was brilliant and we moved without a hitch. A true professional and a born performer.
This is a very special show, and very unique. I am inclined to say people should experience it at least once. And if you’re like me, go in blind and I assure you the surprises are everywhere! I had no idea what to expect and I was just blown away by the energy in the room and the engagement was the cherry. I have never seen so many people do the time-warp!
