The Rocky Horror Show – The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Aimee Giles

After watching the classic Rocky Horror Picture Show on film for the first time this year I knew seeing it live in the theatre was a must!  You can only imagine my delight when seeing tickets available for the Alhambra Theatre to see the legendary rock and roll musical of Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show celebrating fifty years of the musical.  After watching this exciting, edgy and thrilling musical it’s not difficult to see why it has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide and is currently on a sell – out international tour.  Rocky Horror Show is definitely up there with some of the most iconic musicals with its glam rock pop songs guaranteed to get the audience out of their seats to dance with classic hits in pop culture such as the “ Time Warp”.

This whirlwind of a story follows a newly engaged, old fashioned couple Brad and Janet after being stranded when their tyre pops during a thunderstorm; with only a creepy, sinister looking castle as shelter nearby they venture over to seek help.  Only to find the individual who occupies the castle is the glamorously outrageous transvestite Dr.Frank-N Furter and his minions Riff Raff and Magenta, leading them to a night they won’t ever forget.  It’s definitely a must see show for both cult fans of the original Rocky Horror Picture Show who will be able to join in the audience participation of the show (which it certainly does not lack), with devoted hardcore fans who shout out call backs during certain parts of the musical hoping for a response and for those who are not familiar with the musical who would be able to experience the amusing and shocking interaction between the actors and audience live in action.

We watched the Rocky Horror show at the Alhambra Theatre which is located in Bradford city centre and ideal for public transport and with plenty of payable parking nearby.

It felt like the show had started as soon as we arrived with people dressed up as the popular stage characters and almost carbon copies of the characters’ outfits.  As we entered the theatre with various other audience members varying from some wearing short maid outfits, some wearing casual attire and some wearing barely anything at all we were welcomed by the friendly staff and were very excited to watch the show with the undercurrent of excitement from the audience practically flowing through the air all waiting for the show to begin.

I personally found the narrator of the show highly entertaining and was brought to tears of laughter with her quick and witty comebacks to the audience members when they shouted out the most outrageous comments and her ability to captivate the audience with her storytelling.  Stephen Webb’s performance as Dr.Frank-N-Furter was fun, outrageous and scandalous which is everything his character represents with his sexy, jaw dropping outfits and his impressive ability to pull off a lacy corset.  The whole cast really came together and brought the magic of the Rocky Horror show to the stage with the extraordinary scenery, costumes, acting and singing.

Overall, I had a night which I won’t be forgetting any time soon (alike Brad and Janet) and left the theatre singing along to the catchy, rock and roll punk pop hits and in fits of giggles with a friend, ending the night on a high.  I wouldn’t recommend this raunchy show to the easily offended and it’s definitely not for children, however the performance makes for a fun filled night of entertainment with friends or a partner and you won’t be disappointed with the weird but wonderful ending.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £21 – £40

https://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/whats-on/the-rocky-horror-show-298347
The Rocky Horror Show is at The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford from 26 – 30 September 2023
For more information or to book tickets visit www.bradford-theatres.co.uk or call the box office on 01274 432000
The Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1AJ