The Rocky Horror Show at the Princess Theatre Torquay Review
The Rocky Horror Show
Princess Theatre, Torquay
7-12 March 2016
Reviewed by Helen Wyatt
On Monday night I visited the Princess Theatre in Torquay for the opening night performance of The Rocky Horror Show. There are a large number of available car parks in the vicinity of the theatre but you should allow plenty of time to park before any show. We noticed a few on street parking spaces near to the theatre, but we chose to park a little further away in the pay and display car park, which cost around £5 for the evening.
The theatre is bright and white, and based on the seafront so boasts great views, in a great area. All areas of the theatre that I visited were clean and well kept.
The theatre has a great atmosphere, and the 2 level bar/cafe is a good place to wait before a show, when you can order a bite to eat. We ordered drinks at the bar, and we offered the opportunity to order drinks in the interval as well. The group of theatre-goers that were awaiting the start of the show were all very eager for it to start, and it was a great time to “people watch” and take in all the costumes. All staff we encountered were polite, friendly and helpful.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a story of love, of life, and of being who you want to be with no excuses. The storyline is very bizarre, and is centralised around a “mad scientist” type figure of Dr Frank who is trying to make the perfect human. Two newly engaged love-birds stumble across his castle and what ensues is an odd story of self-discovery, leading to alien invasion!
You can expect comedy, audience participation due to the cult status and following the show has commanded since the 70s, a lot of burlesque and corsets, plus lots of fantastic song and dance numbers. You really do have to suspend your disbelief to follow along! The audience are encouraged to dress up although certainly not a prerequisite of attending; it is great fun though, and well worth the effort.
What an absolutely fantastic show! From the opening number, you’re immediately aware of the quality of the production and we were very impressed with the abilities of the entire cast. We laughed from beginning to end and thoroughly got into the spirit of the show. For the uninitiated, it is perhaps a bit of a shock in terms of the level of raunchiness, however it is very masterfully executed and a joy to watch. The whole show is accompanied by a narrator (in this case Gareth Hale of “Hale and Pace” fame) who very much welcomed the audience participation and went along with all of the very good natured heckles, which are all part and parcel of the experience.
This is a quality production and hugely enjoyable. There wasn’t a note, word or step out of place.
The programme however suggests and age restriction of 12+ with parental guidance, however I would strongly suggest not taking anyone under the age of 16 to this show due to the content.
Overall satisfaction – top notch! I would watch it again tomorrow.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £12.90 to £48.90 (plus £4 transaction fee).
The Rocky Horror Show is at the Princess Theatre in Torquay until 12 March 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3023.
Princess Theatre, Torbay Road, Torquay, TQ2 5EZ | 0844 871 3023
