In a world of constant change and in especially in recent years, where virtually nothing seems reliable or stable, it is comforting to find some things that still provide a feeling of constancy and well-being. One such item is surely ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ which always seems to be on tour somewhere in the country and remains largely unchanged 50 years on from when Richard O’Brien decided to fill sometime between jobs writing a musical.
‘The Rocky Horror Show’ is the cheeky, punk alternative to big West-End/Broadway musicals from the likes of Lloyd-Webber and Rodgers & Hammerstein but it is now a big show in its own right, usually selling out large venues and gathering new fans year on year, now well into its second half-century. Audiences seem ever more familiar with the script and rehearsing presumably includes having to deal with constant well-placed heckling.
This particular touring production has been doing the rounds for several years, with a number of actors having been in place for a long time. The cast are clearly still having a good time performing but what set this latest tour apart is the music. Without changing the essence of any of the numbers, it sounds like many songs have been given a makeover with a slightly heavier guitar sound and more emphasis on piano. Certain songs have been given a fresh feel through the use of various guitar effects and acoustic guitar is even used on some songs, without losing any of the bounce of the music.
The sets remain a feast for the eyes, with an array of curious items (as you expect to find a Frankenstein house!) thoughtfully included to enhance the right backdrop, from a mounted Dodo’s head in the hall to a huge brain in the lab. A nice touch was a huge translucent roll of film across the top of the set, providing an extra singing-stage for some cast members as well as a constant reminder that is was old sci-fi B-movies that provided much of the inspiration for the Rocky Horror Show. This current tour, directed by Cristopher Luscombe, features more impressive lighting, particular in denoting the death ray and during the climatic last scene, coupled with copious amounts of dry ice.
The show’s cast is like a fully matured fine wine but with some interesting new additions. Jackie Clune, giving an unusual female take on the role of the narrator, shows remarkable ad-lib versatility in exchanges with the audience, whilst presenting a more familiar and relaxed feel to the character than typical male interpretation. The aside jokes have been updated (most notably at the expense of Prince Andrew) whilst giving much more acknowledgement to the LGBT-friendly world we know live in (in sharp contrast to when the show first appeared!). Ryan Carter-Wilson is a very memorable (and quirky) Riff Raff, with excellent facial mannerisms. Stephen Webb has well-honed in his role as Frank N Furter over an infinite number of performances as has Hayley Flaherty as Janet. Relative new comers to Morgan Jackson as Rocky and James Bisp as Brad each bring a freshness to the production, with Flaherty and Bisp gelling was as the central couple in the story.
This is a truly refreshing and enjoyable presentation of a very well-known show, certainly giving new things for fans who know ‘Rocky Horror’ inside out as well as presenting a more or less perfect rendition for anyone who had never seen the show before; very highly recommended as an exciting, sexy and hilarious night out.
‘The Rocky Horror Show’ is on at Storyhouse, Chester until 4th July.
https://www.storyhouse.com/
Reviewer: John Waterhouse
On: 30th June 2026
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