Surrounded by men in lingerie and women in gold sequinned top hats was just the start of a wonderfully weird, frivolous and funny night at the New Theatre Oxford. And that was just the audience!
Yes the iconic Rocky Horror Show is back in town and playing to delighted fans all week.
“when the first note of ‘Time Warp’ was played every single person in the packed-out theatre was on their feet dancing”
Written by Richard O’Brian in 1975, I wondered whether it would still hold up as the avant-garde glam rock hit it set out to be, and can safely say it does.
The out-of-this-world story is so wacky that even now it is able to stand the test of time and bring something new to the table.
While die-hard fans in the audience were able to recite the comedic dialogue by heart, new risqué joke were thrown in by the narrator (played by the brilliantly witty Philip Franks) to keep things fresh which meant even the regulars got a surprise.
The curtains open to newly engaged Brad, played by Strictly winner Ore Oduba, and his pristine sweetheart Janet (Haley Flaherty), unaware of the journey they are about to face when their car breaks down conveniently close to a mysterious mansion. They soon find themselves under the intoxicating lure of the fabulous Dr Frank’N’Furter.
Stephen Webb holds nothing back in this role as he perfectly captures the flamboyance and fiendishness of the cross-dressing mad scientist.
The show is a wild ride of sex, science fiction, and some of the catchiest tunes in musical theatre, but what stood out to me was how much fun the whole cast were having.
“BE PREPARED TO DON YOUR FISHNETS AND CORSETS FOR A SHOW THAT IS GUARANTEED TO GET YOU OUT OF YOUR SEAT AND HIP THRUSTING ALONG WITH THE ENTIRE THEATRE”
The infectious good vibes quickly spread across the audience and by the time the first note of the ‘Time Warp’ was playing every single person in the packed-out theatre was on their feet dancing.
Audience participation is what makes The Rocky Horror Picture Show so infectious we had a blast. The cult following that the show has gathered is deserving, as the wildly kinky cast welcome anyone into their club.
Be prepared to don your fishnets and corsets for a show that is guaranteed to get you out of your seat and hip thrusting along with the entire theatre.
The Rocky Horror Show runs at Oxford’s New Theatre until Saturday. Book here: http://The Rocky Horror Show
Anna Seal
