Rocky Horror Show, Glasgow Pavilion Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Deb Mackenzie
The ‘Time Warp’ has turned 50! (First performed June 1973) But not aged at all, it is still one of the most loved performances that never grows old. Arriving at the Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow, the two queues were almost around the block. Many arrived dressed in costume, which is a delight to see. My husband and another lady in our row were both Rocky virgins; they were both left in the dark when it came to what they were going to see. Oh, their faces during the show were beaming, laughter and foot tapping from the very first song!
The Narrator, our very own Scottish Joe Macfadden (Strictly Winner, Take the High Road; Heartbeat) was and composed and ready for the usual obscene cracks from the audience. This interaction is extremely comical, and they have allowed just enough time, so nothing is missed from the show.
Rocky by Richard O’Brien was created in 1973, in a tiny room above the Royal Court Theatre in London’s Sloane Square. With eight actors and four musicians they set out to have three weeks of fun; from the start it has been a MUST SEE musical.
The synopsis is: a very strait laced newly engaged couple, Brad and Janet, driving home when they are amid a storm, their car tyre bursts, and the spare is unusable. They remember seeing a castle and trekked a couple of miles to get help. Upon arrival, they are met by Riff-Raff played by Kristian Lavercombe; his monstrous gait, took Brad and Janet meet ‘the master’ Dr Frank-N-Furter (Stephen Webb) and are drawn into his mysterious lair filled with infinite peculiarities, just in time to partake in his out of this world mad scientists unveiling of his extravagant creation: the ultimate male and perfect sex symbol, the fair headed Rocky (Ben Westhead).
The unsuspecting visitors of the night, Brad and Janet, are introduced into a world of seduction and are overcome with their newfound feelings. Dr Everett V Scott (Joe Allen) arrives and is looking for his son Eddie, who Frank had killed earlier, but also believes that there are strange other worldly happenings going on. He wasn’t wrong, they are in a time warp, Riff Raff and his sister the strong Magenta (Suzie Mc Adam) arrive dressed in stunning silver suits armed with laser guns; the truth is exposed. It is a night that Brad and Janet will remember for a very, very long time.
Each set is changed in a blink of an eye; are bright dazzling. The use of lighting was amazing especially when Dr Frank-N-Furter arrived; it looked as if he was glowing; making him appear larger than life. These actors are well rehearsed with Rocky, yet each time I have seen it, they make it new and fresh, performing never aging songs.
A tale of sexual freedom, with Frankenstein under tones and aliens is a mixture of pure delight. NOT a family show, or for anyone who is easily offended by the sexual portrayal. But you need to go if you haven’t seen it, you will be transported into a tale so bizarre it will leave you craving for more.
Rating: 5/5
https://www.paviliontheatre.co.uk/shows/the-rocky-horror-show/
Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow
Tue 30 Jan to Sun 4 Feb 2024
Tickets from £22.00 – £47.00 (Admin Fee £3.65)