The Rocky Horror Show At The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford Review

Reviewed by Helen Noble

15 – 20 November 2021
Recommended age 14+
Running Time 2 hours including 20 minute interval.

Richard O’Brien’s (Host of Crystal Maze) Rocky Horror Show first opened in London in June 1973, it has become the world’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll musical.  The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of Brad and his newly become fiancée Janet, whilst they are driving to visit their college professor their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere and the nearest place to find a phone happens to be a creepy mansion belonging to no other than Dr Frank’n’Furter played by Stephen Webb, also starring broadcaster and actor Ore Oduba as Brad, Haley Flaherty – Janet, Kristian Lavercombe – Riff Raff, Suzie Mcadam – Usherette/Magenta, Lauren Ingram – Columbia, Ben Westhead – Rocky, Joe Allen – Eddie/Dr Scott. The evening is comically narrated by Philip Franks.  It’s an experience they will never forget, with lots of fun, frocks, frolics, cheeky naughty moments and music including Sweet Transvestite, Science Fiction, Dammit Janet and the timeless get you up and dancing The Time-Warp.

I hold my hands up and embarrassingly whisper I have never seen The Rocky Horror show! It didn’t take long to get into the story although I couldn’t audience participate in the funny sayings and shout outs with not being in the know. Instead I laughed, I laughed that much my sides hurt. It’s the first musical I have seen where people were up dancing early on in a show but who can resist dancing to The Time Warp, whether up on you feet or sat in your chair. The dancing and singing was incredible the music, lighting and special effects were immense. The stage interchanges were smoothly done to the point I rarely noticed, going from car, mansion, scientific room, the bedroom. Same with the fabulously costume changes not that they always had much to change into! Some of the audience were in fantastic fancy rocky horror dress, but you don’t feel out of place if your not. The whole show and cast were totally and utterly outstanding and I would most definitely go see it again.

The Alhambra is a traditional theatre, the main theatre building is modern with bright lights which not only look fabulous but makes the building easy to find. You are welcomed by friendly smiling staff, who are more than happy to help in whatever way they can. There are hand gel stations on entry and at various points around the theatre. Although not mandatory they ask for face masks to be worn whilst not seated. On the ground floor there is a ticket kiosk and a kiosk for purchasing soft drinks and sweets. On the first floor there is an impressive bar/cafe area, you can even pre order drinks to be ready for the interval to save queuing. The venue has disabled parking onsite to the left of the buildings entrance it says no entry but there is a buzzer system to allow entry. There are also plenty of car parks within a couple of minutes walking distance from the venue, one on Sharpe street which is just up the hill from the Alhambra, If using an NCP car park if you inform the ticket office on arrival they give you an additional parking ticket to enable a discount on your parking fee.

For a night of thrills and naughty moments that will have you smiling for days! I would highly recommend it, a must see!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £20.00 to £48.00 (booking fees may apply).

The Rocky Horror Show at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford from 15 – 20 November 2021, for more information or to book tickets visit www.bradford-theatres.co.uk or call the box office on 01274 432000.
Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford, BD7 1AJ | 01274 432000