The Rocky Horror Show at the Waterside Theatre Aylesbury Review
The Rocky Horror Show
Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury
18-23 April 2016
Reviewed by Laura Mentiply
What did I know of The Rocky Horror Show before tonight? Well I know the Time Warp from dancing to it at parties while I grew up. I kind of remember watching parts of the films but not enough to know what the storyline was. I also knew of the cult following the story has with many people and that when the play comes to town, many will dress up, including men, in ladies lingerie which adds an extra special excitement when to the atmosphere and seeing the show.
There are plenty of carparks surrounding the theatre which cost £2.50 for the night and is in the centre of the Aylesbury. The building looks new and modern. It has been in the town for over 5 years. The auditorium is very spacious while you wait to go in to your seats. A nice touch at the bar was they had special Rocky Horror cocktails, named after the show character. They did seem bit pricey at £7 each and took a while to make. I was glad we were early so there was no queue to get drinks as the bar got very busy after. You can pre-order your interval drinks which would save a lot of time waiting. The show starts when you walk into the building with the superfans dressed up in suspenders, sparkly jackets and hats, maid’s outfits to reflect their inner Rocky Horror character.
The show starts with a lady working in a theatre selling ice cream singing a song about the characters and what is about to happen. She pulls the curtain across to a young innocent couple called Brad (Ben Freeman, Emmerdale) and Janet (Diana Vickers, Xfactor), filled with love for each other as they just become engaged. They are making their way to see a college professor in a storm when their car breaks down. The only place that is near enough to ask for help is to knock at the home of Doctor Frank-N-Furter which will make their night turn into an adventure they won’t be forgetting soon.
They are then greeted by a strange looking man called Riff Raff who leads them in the strange castle telling them they have arrived on a very special night. They meet Magenta and Columbia who then do the Time Warp. Finally meeting the Stocking wearer, transvestite Doctor Frank-N-Furter. The house is filled with sexual energy which leaves the virgins Janet and Brad are left wondering what kind of party they have been invited to as they are led into the Doctor’s laboratory to see the unveiling of the creature he has made for please, The Adonis Rocky. The rest of the show is then filled with saucy bizarre filthy frolics meaning this show would not be appropriate for under 18’s. All the cast played their roles brilliantly. For fans who have seen the show before, they know to join in and shout out to sections of the show as the scene is set by the Narrator (Steve Punt), he responds well to the jeering and thinks quickly to bring this panto part of the show back to where it needs to go. Rocky was played by Dominic Anderson and doesn’t wear much than a pair of small tiger print pants, showing off his muscle body, which ladies in the audience liked with a few cheers and swoons when he came on. I am glad Time Warp was played again in the finale bringing the audience up onto their feet to join in with the well know dance moves, with claps and cheers as the show ended.
I was impressed with how the show was put together. The costumes looked really good quality. The live band who played the music was good too. All in all it was a fun night. The staff of the Waterside were all dressed up and everyone was relaxed and having great time. The only downside to the evening was I found it cold in the auditorium and kept my coat on all night. The show is running all this week till Saturday 23rd April and is a must for seeing the outrageous but fun show.
A Sweet Transvestite performance!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £16.90 to £52.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
The Rocky Horror Show is at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury until 23 April 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7607.
Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG | 0844 871 7607
