Early this week, I had the pleasure of witnessing The Rocky Horror Show in all its glittering, fishnet-clad glory at New Theatre Oxford – and what a riotous night it was.
Directed by Christopher Luscombe, this smash-hit musical continues to defy space, time, and all sense of theatre-going decorum, delivering a bold, brash, and brilliant panto-esque spectacle that’s as outrageous as ever.
For the uninitiated (are there any left?), The Rocky Horror Show follows the clean-cut Brad and Janet as they stumble upon the extravagant world of Dr Frank’n’Furter – after a flat tyre leads them to a mysterious mansion.
What ensues is a madcap blend of sci-fi, horror, and rock ‘n’ roll, brought to life through flamboyant costumes, timeless tunes, and a cult following like no other.
From the very start, audience participation was in full swing – regulars knew all the right call-outs, some hilariously topical (yes, even Trump got a mention), while the rest of us gleefully joined in with the dance moves for the iconic “Time Warp.” It’s the only musical number with a built-in tutorial – just follow the lyrics and jump to the left.
The cast was utterly fabulous. Adam Strong made a show-stopping debut as Frank‘n’Furter, with Motherland’s Jackie Clune bringing charm and comic flair as The Narrator. Connor Carson and Lauren Chia were pitch-perfect as Brad and Janet, while Ryan Carter-Wilson stepped up brilliantly as Riff Raff.
Natasha Hoeberigs, Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli, and Morgan Jackson gave electric performances as Magenta, Columbia, and Rocky, respectively, with Edward Bullingham doubling up as Eddie and Dr Scott. The Phantoms – Arthur Janes, Hollie Nelson, and Erica Wild – added extra flair, with swings Alex Hetherington and Stacey Monahan keeping things tight.
I must confess, I missed the dressing-up memo (thankfully, no stripes – apparently a faux pas!), but many others went all out in stockings, corsets, and heels. The vibe? Utterly liberating. My advice? Leave your inhibitions at the theatre door – and just have a blast.
More than 50 years since it first rocked the stage at London’s Royal Court Theatre Upstairs, The Rocky Horror Show is still delighting fans around the globe, having played to over 30 million people in more than 30 countries. It’s loud, proud, and totally unmissable.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a curious first-timer, this is one night at the theatre where outrageous is the dress code and fun is mandatory. Just remember: don’t dream it, be it.
The Rocky Horror Show: Sidebar
The Rocky Horror Show first premiered in 1973 before an audience of just 63 people at the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs in London.
Its success was immediate, transferring to the Chelsea Classic Cinema and later enjoying long runs at the Kings Road Theatre (1973–79) and the Comedy Theatre in the West End (1979–80).
Since then, it has become the longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world. It has been performed in over 30 countries, translated into 20 languages, and seen by more than 30 million people worldwide.
In 1975, the show was adapted into the cult classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which has grossed over $135 million and remains the longest-running theatrical release in cinema history.
Over the decades, stars including Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Meat Loaf, Russell Crowe, Jason Donovan, and even Jerry Springer have donned corsets and capes in this fabulously flamboyant musical.
Still thrilling audiences on its sell-out tour, The Rocky Horror Show is as outrageous, infectious, and irresistible as ever – a true cultural phenomenon.
The post The Rocky Horror Show – A riotous night of time-warping fun appeared first on The Oxford Magazine.
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