The Rocky Horror Show at the Royal Concert Hall Nottingham Review

Reviewed by Sandip Stapleton

I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to receive 2 tickets to see The Rocky Horror Show at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall. So with my friend in tow, off we went to The Rocky Horror Show. I’ve watched the film version many years ago in my teens, but my friend had never seen it before. On the car journey into town I briefly tried to tell her the gist of the story. It’s a story of young lovers, a bit of sci-fi, a murder, some horror, cross-dressing with some musical numbers thrown in for good measure. It sounds totally bonkers when you describe it, which in reality it is. It sounds like it shouldn’t work but, given it’s been around for nearly 45 years, it clearly does!

In case you don’t know, the story follows the crazy night’s antics of a young, wholesome couple Brad Majors and Janet Weisz, whose car breaks down with a flat tyre on a stormy night and they tried to find help from a nearby castle. Only the castle’s inhabitants are less than normal. 

Brad and Janet are played by Joanne Clifton and James Darch and they really do a service to the roles. Plus, their voices are amazing. Although not my favourite track of the show, Brad’s solo Once in a While really showed of his amazing vocal talent.

Having watched the film, and seeing Tim Curry in all his manly, broad framed, make up, bustier and fishnet tight wearing glory, I was interested to see how this Frank N Furter would pan out. For this leg of the tour, Frank N Furter is played by Duncan James from Blue. Unfortunately, Duncan was poorly so couldn’t perform in this show, which was the first of the run in Nottingham. Instead it was the understudy, Kristian Lavercombe, who was playing the part of Frank N Furter. OK, his frame isn’t as broad as Tim’s or Duncan’s but in all honesty, his size shouldn’t matter. And it didn’t. When he made his entrance in his robe, blue eyeshadow and curly black hair, the audience cheered. But when he took off his robe to reveal his corset and stilettoes, we all went wild. Then he started singing and acting and we were all in awe. He was amazing! And for him, as the understudy, what an amazing experience to be the main character on opening night in a new city. He totally deserved the many standing ovations he received.

Rocky himself was a very muscular guy indeed. He had very little to say and spent most of his scenes just flexing his muscles. But that is what his character is all about! That and losing his virginity to Janet rather than Frank!

My friend’s favourite character was Columbia. She was a really funny character and so full of energy and charm. She must’ve been exhausted after her performance. She was definitely one of those characters that you enjoy having on the stage even if they aren’t speaking in that scene. Her expressions, body language, the lot, she was so entertaining.

We both loved the Narrator Philip Franks. His delivery was spot on and his quick comebacks to the audience call outs which are all part of The Rocky Horror experience, were very comical. Also, whilst we are on the subject of the audience. They did not disappoint when it came to their outfits. There were so many people dressed in their favourite character’s outfits, that it makes you wonder if Nottingham’s shops had any fishnet stockings left!

It was a great night out and lived up to the camp, outrageous, fantastically sung, brilliantly acted, time-warp dance along that we hoped it would be.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £18 to £45.50 (booking fees may apply).

The Rocky Horror Show is at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham from 28 August to 1 September 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.trch.co.uk or call the box office on 0115 989 5555.

Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND