Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show – The Grand Theatre And Opera House, Leeds Review

Reviewed by Claire Giles

Celebrating 50 years of this legendary rock n roll, sci-fi musical the Rocky Horror Show has the longest continuous run of contemporary musical anywhere in the world. It has a cult following that brings people back again and again to watch the show which is bonkers yet captivating at the same time! Most people will have seen the iconic 1975 film adaptation or at least know the iconic songs such as ‘The Time Warp’, ’Sweet Transvestite’ or ‘Touch-a,Touch-a,Touch Me’.

We watched the show at The Grand Theatre & Opera House in Leeds. The Grand is based in Leeds City Centre so is easily accessible by car or public transport. There is plenty of payable car parking nearby. The staff were all very friendly and helpful.

Newly engaged innocent and sexually naive Brad and Janet break down with a flat tyre outside a creepy castle and head inside in hope of using a phone. Their encounter with the castle inhabitants is where the real drama begins and will change their lives forever. The castle is owned by the sexually provocative, cheeky and sometimes vulnerable Dr Frank n Furter. Bursting onto the stage singing a high energy performance of ‘Sweet Transvestite’ Stephen Webb as Frank n Furter owned the stage with his presence and amazing vocals that you couldn’t help but sing along to. All the cast performances were outstanding with their fantastic singing voices and dancing just adding to the drama.

Audience participation is what really makes the show a cult classic. Members of the audience came fully dressed up as characters from the film, including maid outfits, sequin top hats, doctors scrubs and even tiny gold hot pants. The whole atmosphere in the theatre was electric before the show even began. Throughout the show members of the audience shouted out lines in response to events occurring on the stage and heckled the narrator which is apparently the norm. I had never seen Rocky Horror live so this was all new to me but I really enjoyed it and found it hilarious, even the cast looked like they were trying not to laugh at some of the lines / heckles. People were singing along to the songs and everyone was up on their feet doing the dance moves to ‘The Time Warp’ which was actively encouraged by the cast.

The outstanding performance of the night was from Reece Budin as the Narrator. His quick witted responses to the heckles, for which he had an answer to them all no matter how shocking, comedic timing and delivery even adding in some modern day quips really was the highlight of the show.

This was my first time seeing the show live and I was not disappointed, though I did feel slightly underdressed without a costume. The sexual content is outrageously funny though this is definitely not a show for children. It was as weird and wonderful as I expected and the whole experience made for a totally different theatre experience than I’m used to. My 18 year old daughter who attended with me has never seen Rocky Horror Show, though she did know most of the songs, and was totally bemused and captivated by the whole experience. She would love to go see the show again with her friends in costume for a night out and this appeal is what keeps bringing audiences back over and over again. It is a fun show and a theatre experience you will never forget.

Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £30 – £60
Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show is at The Grand Theatre & Opera House Leeds from 28 June – 01 July 2023
For more information or to book tickets visit www.leedsheritagetheatres.com or call the box office on 0113 243 0808
The Grand Theatre, 46 New Briggate, Leeds. LS1 6NU