A Superb Weird And Wacky Rocky Horror Show

I last saw this legendary rock ’n’ roll musical back in 2016, and now, more than fifty years since Richard O’Brien’s creation, first written and performed in 1973, it still fizzed with energy thanks to a stellar cast, including a fresh and flirtatious performance by Jason Donovan, reprising his iconic role as the captivating Frank-N-Furter.

There was a real buzz in the auditorium as we all waited with anticipation for the show to begin; the theatre was packed, with lots of audience members dressed up and ready to party.

My guest had not seen the show before but had been warned to expect lots of audience interaction, and there was plenty of that; hats off to comedian Nathan Caton playing the Narrator for his deft handling of the many hecklers—he was a master of quick quips and commanded the space with complete confidence.

We followed Janet (Lauren Chia) and Brad (Connor Carson) a young, naive couple, who had a life-changing, out-of-this-world encounter when, due to a flat tire one dark and stormy night, they ended up at the castle of gender-defying Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Lauren and Connor were outstanding in their roles, being most believable as the innocent pair, then slowly but surely being seduced by fruity Frank-N-Furter; their voices were a delight to listen to, and both had great comic timing.

Morgan Jackson showed he wasn’t just eye-candy as Frank-N-Furter’s creation Rocky, displaying stunning acrobatic skills as well as perfect pecs! 

Job Greuter stole the show at times with his superb portrayal of the loyal servant of Frank-N-Furter, Riff Raff—no spoilers, but Riff Raff wasn’t as subservient as he appeared...

Nathan M. Wright’s choreography was as out of this world as the plot, complemented by mind-blowing lighting designed by Nick Richings and superb live music from the brilliant band led by Musical Director Josh Sood.

It all added to the weird and wacky atmosphere in this truly unique, sensational show—let’s do the Time Warp again and again!

Rocky Horror Show is on at Grand Opera House, York until Saturday 26th October 2024