The outrageous Rocky Horror Show returns to Manchester and it’s better than ever.
Having experienced Richard O’Brien’s infamous show for the third time, i have to say this is the best version I’ve seen, even surpassing the 40th anniversary production.
The the Usherette’s opening homage to sci-fi classics to the show’s fabulous finale, a close to impeccable cast hardly put a foot wrong.
In case you don’t know, the show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank N Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house whilst on their way to visit their former college professor. It is an adventure they’ll never forget.
Like me, you might not be brave enough to don the fancy dress – stockings and suspenders – which has long been a tradition of a show which prides itself on attracting a very lively crowd – but I would defy anyone not to be Timewarping before the final curtain.
That lively audience is very much the equivalent of the twelfth man in football, shouting out lines a quips, adding to the atmosphere. Charlie Condou’s narrator bore the brunt of most of the interjections and coped with it quite well with some retorts and ad libs – although at times the exchanges bordered on the irritating.
But I’m nit-picking. This show is a class act, with Liam Tamne brilliantly doing justice to the wicked tranny genius Frank-N-Furter, strutting about the stage like he owns it. Richard Meek and Helen Flaherty are similarly excellent as Brad and Janet and Kristian Lavercombe is commanding in the role of Riff Raff.
But a special mention has to go to Dominic Andersen, who was cast in the role of Rocky – the product of Frank’s attempt to create the perfect male specimen. But in addition to his obvious assets, the boy can act too, bringing to life what is quite a difficult part.
The icing on the cake are some stunning sets and superb choreography.
If you’re a fan of the show already you won’t be disappointed by this production. If you’re not, you’ll be hooked. Catch it while it’s still in Manchester.
Runs till Saturday October 29
Dave Toomer