The Rocky Horror Show at the Edinburgh Playhouse Review
The Rocky Horror Show
Edinburgh Playhouse
28 March to 2 April 2016
Reviewed by Debbie Douglas
The Edinburgh Playhouse sits just at the top of Leith Walk and is easily accessible by train (from Waverly Stations), buses and trams. There is a car park next almost next door but this can be pricey especially if you are making a day of it in Edinburgh. There is ample off street parking just a short walk away too.
The Playhouse is a beautiful theatre and the seats are tiered so you are pretty much assured of a good seat. There are a few restricted viewing seats but these are always sold as these.
I had never seen been to see this show before but as this show is a cult classic it had been on my to do list for a while. I had seen some of the film so I had an idea what to expect. This show is raunchy and definitely not for the faint hearted. The show has a legion of loyal fans and I did feel like was the only one who had not seen it before.
The show starts of quietly with an usherette singing science fiction double feature and opening the curtain and inviting everyone in. From this point on there is no going back there is no let-up of the drama it is non-stop until the end.
This production stars Diane Vickers as the prim Janet Weiss and Ben Freeman as the proper Brad Majors. The show has been cast amazingly well there were no weak links at all. The cast were all amazing from the narrator, Norman Pace who dealt with the hecklers in the audience like batting flies to Riff Raff (Kirstian Lavercombe) who was excellent as the helpful butler. Liam Tanme is superb as Frank ‘n’ Furter and looks like he is relishing wearing those heels and suspenders
The basic story is Chad and Janet have just got engaged and get lost in the rain when they have car trouble. They stumble across Frank N Furter’s castle. He is entertaining but this is no ordinary party, this is the grand unveiling of his latest creation Rocky, an Adonis of a man who he has created for his pleasure. The night that follows is one that Brad and Janet will remember forever. They lose their innocence as well as nearly each other. It is hard to believe that this show has been running for over 40 years, it is as relevant and exciting now as I am sure it was then.
The soundtrack was an added bonus as I did not realise how many songs I would know – they are all catchy and were expertly sung by the cast. And of course the audience were on their feet doing the time warp – the atmosphere was electric. The set, lighting, band, costumes are all fabulous. This is a really slick show which does not put a stiletto heel wrong, it is a rollercoaster of a show from start to finish and I am not sure I want to get off. Get your tickets now to see this you will not be disappointed.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £16.90 to £56.90 (plus £4 transaction fee).
The Rocky Horror Show is at the Edinburgh Playhouse until 2 April 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3014.
Edinburgh Playhouse, 18–22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA | 0844 871 3014
