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Rocky Horror Show Malvern Theatres ***** For more than 50 years now, Richard O’Brien’s glittering hit rock ‘n’ roll musical The Rocky Horror Show has continued to excite audiences and this week is no exception, oh no it isn’t. Stephen Webb climbs expertly into his second skin and transforms in stockings and high heels for the role of Frank-N-Furter on stage at Malvern Theatres, so strap in tight because it’s going to be quite a raucous ride. Remember not to bring confetti, rice, lighters or water pistols to the performance but you are positively encouraged to don rubber gloves, wave glow sticks, bring your own newspapers to help shelter Janet from the rain and of course a sequined top hat wouldn’t go amiss either. Prepare to be transformed into a pelvis thrusting, time-warping performer as it’s just as important to get involved and shout out as it is to just sit back and be transfixed. Led along brilliantly by the rambunctious, comedian narrator Nathan Caton, who oozes charisma and loves a freebie, as does Kier Starmer. The racy story ushers in squeaky clean Brad, Connor Carson, and seemingly innocent fiancée Janet, Lauren Chia, as their car breaks down next to a rather foreboding abode. The naive couple are lured into the castle by Riff Raff, Job Greuter, who glares at them menacingly with a cheeky glint in his eye.
I first saw Stephen Webb as Frank N Furter in 2019 and he was fabulous then, oozing with charisma and pouring pizzazz all over the shop, and now his sass and swagger absolutely owns the theatre with such prowess and seductiveness so poor Brad and Janet didn’t stand a chance. With help from The Phantoms, Ryan Carter-Wilson, Arthur Janes, Hollie Nelson and Erica Wild, alongside Magenta, Natasha Hoeberigs and Columbia, Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli, the Time-Warp lifts the audience onto their feet for an epic feather boa swinging, bum wiggling re-enactment of the classic hit. Janet and Brad only wanted to use a telephone to get their flat tyre seen to but ended up getting a lot more than they bargained for, especially when they meet the lab rat muscleman Rocky, Morgan Jackson, who was also in Heathers the Musical, when he is magically brought to life with impressive strength and not just one muscle but lots of muscles to help with all the backflips and press ups. The first Act soared in typical risky fashion packed full of innuendo and corruption so the second Act certainly didn’t disappoint as the libidos crescendo and desire extends to an even larger half that escalates towards a chainsaw chase, a vigorous shoot-out and a climactic conclusion. Not for the faint-hearted, The Rocky Horror Show never fails to be fierce, so grab your fishnets and join Frank-N-Furter at Malvern Theatres this week until Saturday October 12th. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, translated into over 20 languages and seen by 35 million theatregoers the party has such a cult following and it’s hard not to be swept up by the electric atmosphere. With hits such as Science Fiction/Double Feature, Dammit Janet, Sweet Transvestite and of course The Time-Warp, long live Eddie. Tickets are available from the box office on 01684 892277 or online. Emma Trimble 07-10-24 |
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