The Rocky Horror Show at the New Theatre Cardiff Review
Rocky Horror Show
New Theatre, Cardiff
8-13 February 2016
Reviewed by Tara Davies
It may sound strange but, until yesterday, I knew very little about The Rocky Horror Show. Obviously, I’d heard the name banded around a little, after all, the show has been running for more than 40 years. Other than the name, however, I knew very little about it, so was intrigued to find out more. Little did I know that my visit to the New Theatre Cardiff, would transform me into a massive fan instantaneously!
The New Theatre, a quaint building with all the opulence of traditional theatre is superbly located, close to the capitals centre, meaning transport links are excellent. The multi storey car park is a stone’s throw away and both the train station and bus stops can be reached within minutes on foot. Due to its central location, there are also an array of well know restaurants and bars nearby, should you want to make a day of it!
The theatre itself was spotlessly clean and was well staffed. Customers were promptly dealt with, by polite staff, meaning queues were kept to a minimum. Each of the three floors also has its own bar, serving a good selection of drinks. Drinks may also be taken into the main theatre for selected shows. There are also stalls selling snacks and memorabilia from all the favourite plays and musicals currently running.
The sell-out show had the theatre packed to the rafters and it was immediately obvious that this cult classic had a massive fan base. It was clear to see, from the outset, why The Rocky Horror Show has enjoyed such longevity. The storyline is quirky and plays to the imagination, humorous throughout, with a large helping of adult innuendo. The cast were amazing and the acting was faultless. It was also easy to see that many of cast’s previous careers had a musical influence as the singing matched the acting!
Comedian, Steve Punt, who adopted the role of narrator, was fantastic at engaging with the audience and seemed to thrive off the banter, whilst Diana Vickers and Ben Freeman, portrayed the hapless and unsuspecting ‘innocent’ couple, Janet and Brad with ease. Kristian Lavercombe, plays Riff Raff, the seemingly, loyal servant terrifically as does Dominic Anderson, cast a Rocky. Nonetheless, it was Liam Tamne, who stole the show for me with his fantastic portrayal of the sex crazed transsexual Frank N Furter.
If that isn’t enough, the fabulous costumes and musical classics, such as The Time Warp will have you enthralled throughout and by the end of the evening you are sure to be on your feet!!
In short, The Rocky Horror Show is a melodic feast, which will have you digging out your corset and fishnets, lusting for more!!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £16 to £39 (booking fees may apply).
The Rocky Horror Show is at the New Theatre in Cardiff until 13 February 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 029 2087 8889.
New Theatre, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3LN | 029 2087 8889
