Rocky Horror Show at the Regent Theatre Stoke Review

Rocky Horror Show
Regent Theatre, Stoke

23-28 May 2016

www.atgtickets.com/regent-theatre

Reviewed by Catherine Brown

Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show was a real eye-opener when I went to see it at the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent last night. Even before entering the theatre, the number of audience members arriving in basques and fishnet stockings gave a hint of the crazy things to come.

Originally the book, music and lyrics were written by Richard O’Brien who starred in the show in the 1970’s. Since then the musical has generated a huge fan base, well-known for coming along in outfits as outrageous as the cast on stage.

The show stars recently engaged teenagers Brad (Ben Freeman) and Janet (Diana Vickers), who find themselves welcomed in by transvestite Dr Frank-N-Furter and his bizarre entourage when their car breaks down. After being taught the time warp by Riff Raff the butler and Magenta the maid the young couple are introduced to Frank’s creation Rocky (Dominic Anderson) a man-made Adonis who promises to give absolute pleasure.

The script is littered with sexual innuendo, topped up by extra lines coming from the audience. Steven Punt is perfect as the narrator, dealing well with the inevitable heckling. At one point he said this isn’t a pantomime, when in actual fact it felt exactly like that with cross-dressing characters encouraging dancing with the audience.

The supporting cast demonstrated high energy choreography although some of the moves are not for the faint hearted – the show should definitely come with an 18 rating! The plot was tricky to follow in places, the explanation that Frank is an alien only slightly helping. Despite this, the show was thoroughly entertaining throughout.

The Regent Theatre in the Hanley area of Stoke-on-Trent is always a pleasure to visit with friendly staff and a beautiful domed auditorium. If you get chance, allow time to enjoy a drink in the piano bar beforehand where they serve a selection of reasonably priced drinks. The reception and foyer area is also welcoming, with drinks, snacks and merchandise on sale.

I would recommend the Rocky Horror Show with the disclaimer that you attend with an open mind. This show is not for the faint-hearted! With this in mind, and the fact that sometimes the plot was tricky to follow, I would give the show a 4 out of 5.

Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost from £17.90 to £49.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).

The Rocky Horror Show is at the Regent Theatre in Stoke until 28 May 2016. For more  information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7649

Regent Theatre, Piccadilly, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 1AP | 0844 871 7649