The Rocky Horror Show
Theatre Royal Brighton
Until Saturday 19th April 2025
Eat, Sleep Repeat. This isn’t the first time we’ve reviewed The Rocky Horror Show at the Brighton, and I am sure that it won’t be the last. In case you haven’t read previous reviews, here is a summary.
- From its humble beginnings in a fringe theatre in London, The Rocky Horror Show has been delighting audiences across the world (over 35million) for over 50 years.
- A newly engaged couple’s car breaks down and thus begins their journey of sexual awakening.
- The formula of this raucous, erotic show lavishly directed by Christopher Luscombe hasn’t changed much in recent years. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.
- The show, often billed as an ‘adult pantomime’, relies in part, to audience participation. Many of the lines in the script have responses (often rude) that audiences are happy to heckle.
- The best place to see The Rocky Horror (hands down) is in Brighton
Happy to report, that the above hasn’t changed and Richard O’Brien‘s The Rocky Horror show remains a wonderful night out. I have been watching the RH Show for 35years+ but I always enjoy taking someone who hasn’t been before so I can watch their reactions.
As I surveyed the audience last night, I wondered whether bringing my 22 year old son was a good idea. Was the show now dated and only fit for a nostalgia trip? Were middle aged people in basques & suspenders, maid’s outfits and spooky attire totally uncool?
I needed have worried. It is a unique night out and the humour is just as hilarious and liberating as it has always been. The audience were on par and joyously interacted with all on stage. Sitting near the front, I turned around during The Timewarp and was thrilled to see 4 tiers of people dancing their hearts out. Go Brighton!
A new cast brought new life to the show Adam Strong takes the helm as Frank N Furter the fun loving, transvestite alien and struts his stuff admirably (Interview here). Kristian Lavercombe who has played Riff Raf for many years is replaced by Job Greuter who slides seamlessly into the role as though he has played it all along. The soon to be ‘not-so-innocent’ Brad and Janet are played by Connor Carson and Lauren Chia respectively.
Morgan Jackson is Frank N Furter’s muscle clan creation Rocky, who not only flecks his muscles but delights the audience with his backflips & somersaults. Completing the cast are Natasha Hoeberigs (Magenta), Edward Bullingham (Dr Scott/ Eddie), Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli (Columbia) and Ryan Carter Wilson, Arthur Janes, Hollie Nelson and Eric Wild as the Phantoms.
The biggest change to previous productions was my first encounter with a female narrator! Jackie Clune guides us through Brad and Janet’s tale with a wry wit and gives as good as she gets when the audiences traditionally pull the script to pieces. A brave move but it totally works!
Joyous, erotic and totally liberating, 50years and counting, The Rocky Horror Show will be around for a few years yet!
Reviewer: Sammi O’Neill