Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show ★★★★★ Richmond Theatre | May 23 - 28, 2022


If you've ever wondered about the appeal of this cult classic, the current production will definitely answer any questions! Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show is a manically delightful evening in the theatre. Ore Oduba and Haley Flaherty are simply perfect as the naïve young Brad and Janet whose car breaks down and who then stumble into a world of questionable pastimes and forbidden pleasures. Oduba's rendition of "Dammit Janet," supplemented by the obligatory audience commentary, sets the tone for a hilarious rollercoaster of a night. From that point on, we are off and running, and the pace never flags as the horror/science fiction narrative bewilders and bemuses. Some of the funniest ripostes come from the audience itself, but the Narrator, Philip Franks, contributes a superb commentary, laced with some pithy comments about the contemporary political situation, that adds to the mayhem. Lauren Ingram as Columbia does a quite brilliant comic mime, and Suzie McAdam as Usherette/Magenta knocks it out of the park with her powerful vocals. Joe Allen nails his dual roles as Eddie and Dr. Scott, and Ben Westhead is a suitably toothsome Rocky. Kudos to Kristian Lavercombe for a wonderfully grotesque Riff Raff. He makes the part his own. Indeed, it takes a lot for Stephen Webb as Frank N Furter to outshine this cast, but he manages to command the stage whenever he is on it. By the end, this "Sweet Transvestite" has us all on our feet and doing the "Time Warp." This Rocky Horror Show is a first-rate revival of the classic and it's a high-energy trip you shouldn't miss. We guarantee that if you follow Brad and Janet's lead down the road to that strange castle, you'll be joining the cult!

Rated: ★★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by David Freeman.

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