The Rocky Horror Show at the Liverpool Empire Review
The Rocky Horror Show
Liverpool Empire
17-22 October 2016
Reviewed by Jan Mellor
Walking into the theatre (even before the doors opened), I was thrilled to see the amazing ‘brave’ costumes that the audience chose to wear. One of the best thing about this show is how people ‘join in’ with the fun of the show. It is a great opportunity (excuse) for men to wear suspenders/basques and for women to wear far, far too much makeup and glittery hats /maid outfits. This show gives the audience the feeling of daring liberation and attracts fans from all over the world. This was the 40+ year that the show had been on stage (since the creation by one of the stars – Richard O’Brien) and year upon year had attracted a ‘family’ of followers.
As soon as the show started the audience screamed with delight and joined in without any prompting – when ‘Brad’ and ‘Janet’ came on stage for their song ’there’s a light’ and without a pause, the audience swayed their phone lights/glow-sticks and embraced the ‘corny’ songs and OTT stage costumes of the vampires and ghouls. The story of two young lovers, breaking down and staying in a transvestite hotel captivated everyone in the theatre – even the three that the narrator Steve Punt said may not have seen the show. When the cast started the ‘Time-warp’ song everyone in the audience stood up and sang and danced to the Time-warp song – obviously knowing ever move/word. The theatre was electric! When the transvestite vampire appeared on stage the audience exploded into screams of delight. The mayhem continued as the vampire sang/introduced ‘made a man – “Rocky” in seven days’ and a ‘god’ in a loin cloth came onto the stage and continued the euphoria.
The show had great costumes, songs, comedy and a magic atmosphere like I had never witnessed before. The crowd applauded wildly as the curtain dropped for the interval. They obviously knew exactly what the second half was to bring and were ‘giddy’ to see it. As they returned and waited for the show to start, members within the audience sang renditions of Time-warp and ‘7 days’ to keep the theatre ‘warm’ and engaged. Unfortunately, it was not to be as due to technical problems the show could not continue. It was such as shame as the first half had been exceptional.
I would definitely recommend seeing this show – especially of you have never seen it before. If you have it kind of goes without saying that you will go again as it is like a ‘family’ gathering and going back’ home’. A great experience – I hope to get the chance to see the show again!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £14.90 to £53.40 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
The Rocky Horror Show is at the Liverpool Empire until 22 October 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 8713017.
Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JE | 0844 8713017
