|
|
|
|
|
Frank's timeless warp rocks on The Rocky Horror
Show Alexandra Theatre ***** Forgive me
for gushing but Richard O'Brien's brilliant horror comedy musical The
Rocky Horror Show is amazing and five-star performances were delivered
by the whole cast. This cult
classic is now more than 30 years old which is
older than most of the audience; many of whom entered totally into the
spirit of the occasion wearing the most outrageous costumes and lines
were blurred between cast and audience. Anticipation is all part of the
experience and the show was enthusiastically received by diehard fans
and virgins alike. There was a show-stopping reception for Ainsley
Harriet as the narrator. Not known for his thespian skills, he was
in total control of the audience and, his comedy timing was perfect, a
really funny man. He did manage a clever plug of his food product
range along the way. Another show-stopping entrance was
made by David Bedelle who plays the iconic Frank ‘N' Furter (Sweet
Transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania) with huge amounts of
compelling sex appeal in corset, heels and pearls with a certain
suppressed menace. The part could have been written for him but then I
expected nothing less than great as he was equally compelling as the
Devil in Springer the Opera. He was in absolute command of
the stage, looked gorgeous and I could listen to his voice all night.
OMG, I'm drooling again. The show opens with the usherette singing Science Fiction backed by the multi-talented phantoms. The story goes that Janet and Brad seek refuge in an isolated castle when their car breaks down. They are introduced into the bizarre world of the transsexual Frank ‘N' Furter and his servants. ULTIMATE PLAYTHING We see the demise of Eddie but not
before a rousing Hot Patootie and meet Frank ‘N' Furter's own
creation and ultimate plaything, the beautiful, blond, bronzed Rocky
Horror who requires a just a little beefing up with a little help and
thanks to Charles Atlas (I Can Make You a Man). However, Rocky
and Frank ‘N' Furter aren't meant to be, Frank ‘N' Furter separately
seduces virgins Janet and Brad using the same lines in a very cleverly
executed, funny, upright bedroom romp. There is hilarious CCTV coverage of
Brad's seduction. Brad's uncle, Dr Scott arrives on the scene, reveals
that Frank ‘N' Furter and his cronies are visitors from outerspace and
the castle is really a spaceship. Riff Raff resumes his role as
commander of the ship, lives are lost, Brad, Janet and Dr Scott escape
and Riff Raff and Magenta return to Transsexual, Transylvania in the
spacecastle.
The story is laced with great
numbers, not least Time Warp. Jenny Arnold's choreography
is clever, fun and often seductive. Sue Blane's costumes are again
fun and tantalizing and Janet Bird's set design is imaginative.
The Band, Columbia and the Phantoms give great support throughout.
The seasoned members of the
audience offered clever and funny retorts to many lines; most of which
were expected, well received and, on occasion, stopped cast members in
their tracks. I suspect the show could be somewhat shorter
without the audience participation.
It was well-worth the visit to
check out the audience dress, some came as their favourite character
from the show; some just loved the chance to unselfconsciously and
‘inconspicuously' express themselves. Audience participation isn't
compulsory but it surely is fun. Beware those of you who never
dance in public, the spirit of the show is compulsive, enthralling,
hypnotizing, trust me…you will dance or be the only person sitting.
For you virgins out there, visit
http://www.rockyhorror.co.uk/about_the_show/virgins_guide for tips
on show etiquette. To 30-10-10 Lynda Ford
|
|
|
|