The Rocky Horror Show – Bord Gáis Energy Theatre – Review
3 Oct 2016 – 8 Oct 2016

Recommended for ages 13+

This is your typical musical about a pansexual, cross-dressing mad scientist and a young couple who stumble across his castle! Brad Majors is very much in love with his high school sweet heart Janet Weiss. They are travelling to visit their former science tutor Dr. Everett Scott one wet and windy night, when they get a flat tyre. They have to walk through the rain to find a telephone to call for help. The only place they can find is a creepy old castle that contains a world of madness they were not expecting!

The musical was written in 1973 and was later converted into a film in 1975 which helped launch the career of Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon. It became a cult classic and spawned a late night cinematic experience, with audience members turning up in costume and interacting with the show. The experience has come full circle as now the same responses are thrown back at the actors on stage. Narrator Steve Punt is the only one to directly interact with the crowd, pausing at the crucial spots to allow those in the audience who know the lines to respond.

It is an Ambassador Theatre Group Production and started life on the West End before touring widely. As with all shows of this type, they are an extremely professional collective. The production has a thirteen member cast along with a small band of musicians that are above the stage. The performers are all amplified and there should be no problem hearing the performance anywhere in the theatre.

While the production is not suitable for small children, it is safe in most respects. The real highlight of the show is the performance of Liam Tamne as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the one time Voice UK contestant looks very comfortable in the role. The set works well, changing between the various locations with ease through swivelling panels in the back wall. The production bounces nicely between songs and has some great numbers within. The “Time Warp” is the best known, but songs like “Dammit Janet”, “Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me” and “Sweet Transvestite” keep the toes tapping. Most that visit the production will be familiar with the film, so you will know what to expect. It’s unlikely that many will go home disappointed by this big, bold and bawdy production.

Find out more about the production here.