Premiering at London’s Royal Court Theatre Upstairs to immediate success back in 1973, The Rocky Horror Show continues to draw in enthusiastic audiences across the globe. A tribute to the genres he enjoyed growing up, Richard O’Brien’s B-movie horror and sci-fi meets glam rock musical attracted an even wider audience with its 1975 film adaptation. It saw Tim Curry in a career-defining central role and features a young Susan Sarandon. Quickly commanding cult status, late-night film screenings, along with its many stage revivals, still see audience members adorning flamboyant attire and participating during some of the show’s most famous scenes. While its once shocking and subversive edge has undoubtedly been muted with time, The Rocky Horror Show is still very much a party and remains one of the most unique theatrical experiences you are likely to enjoy.
Plot does not take precedence in The Rocky Horror Show, but for the uninitiated, young Brad Majors and his virginal girlfriend Janet run into car trouble, resulting in them being stranded in the rain outside a creepy castle. Asking to use the phone, they are invited inside. Meeting the eclectic and eccentric inhabitants, their evening takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of transvestite Dr Frank N Furter.
More than twenty-five years since he last stepped into fishnets, that we know of, anyway, Jason Donovan slips back into the high heels of Frank and walks in them very well indeed. Comparisons to Curry are inevitable despite the vast array of actors who have portrayed the character since, but Donovan places his own assured stamp on proceedings. His voice lends itself well to the rock soundtrack of the musical and he plays the deranged doctor as overtly unhinged and unapologetically camp. There are hints of Mick Jagger in his swagger and mild suggestions of Pete Burns in his sass. Donovan’s opening number ‘Sweet Transvestite’ is a highlight, but the artist exudes raw vulnerability and superb vocals with the brooding ‘Don’t Dream It, Be It’. The actor is clearly revelling in the role, radiating an infectious energy and having a great deal of fun.
Donovan is supported by an incredibly capable cast. Nathan Caton excels as the narrator, offering many humorous ad-libs in response to the audience’s heckles without ever missing a beat. It’s a joy to see certain spectators dressed up and dancing along to the early number ‘The Time Warp’ – the show’s most well-known song. Their jeers garner laughs from the cast and audience alike and the sense of this being a genuine communal experience soon envelopes the auditorium. Such playful fun and escapism are needed now more than ever and from start to finish the vibe here is feel-good only.
Morgan Jackson certainly has the chiselled physique of his character Rocky – the creation of a perfect man by Frank – and showcases excellent vocals along with impressive choreography. On that note, Hollie Nelson, Erica Wild, Ryan Carter-Wilson and Arthur Janes add to the visual spectacle as the phantoms. Choreographer Nathan M. Wright is on point with the many routines of ‘The Time Warp, ’ more than living up to expectations.
Job Greuter is perfect as Riff Raff – his physicality expertly executed and his vocals powerful. Understudies Alex Hetherington and Stacey Monahan have their chances to shine as the naïve and innocent Brad and Janet, and we enjoy witnessing their transformations as they can’t help but be swept along in the atmosphere of unrelenting sexual liberation and the frenetic madcap environment they find themselves in. As with the cast as a whole, they demonstrate strong vocal ability with Monahan’s ‘Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me’ serving as another memorable moment.
Director Christopher Luscombe allows for a very fluid and pacey production, which flies by in two hours. Special mention must also go to the band who are on fine form under the musical direction of Josh Sood. Hugh Durrant’s set design morphs from the cartoonish to the more sinister while maintaining the look of B movies of the ’60s and ’70s. It cleverly allows for swift scene transitions to sustain momentum. Sue Blane’s costumes are as outlandish as we’d expect, and Nick Richings’ lighting design consistently matches the mood as we flit from sensual to chaotic and high-spirited to dark. This is an accomplished, uplifting and raucous revival, loyal both to O’Brien’s original and its legions of committed fans. By the curtain call, we are all dancing.
Review by Jonathan Marshall
The Rocky Horror Show is back as part of a new world tour and now’s your chance to see this guaranteed party live on stage in a theatre near you!
Having been seen by over 35 million theatregoers, The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet. When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank’n’Furter. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity.
Directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror Show is the biggest party and features timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic thrusting showstopping Time Warp.
Jason Donovan – Frank-N-Furter
Lauren Chia – Janet
Connor Carson – Brad
Nathan Caton – Narrator
Job Greuter – Riff Raff
Natasha Hoeberigs – Magenta/Usherette
Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli – Columbia
Morgan Jackson – Rocky
Edward Bullingham – Eddie/Dr. Scott
Ryan Carter-Wilson, Arthur Janes, Hollie Nelson, Erica Wild – Phantoms
Alex Hetherington, Stacey Monahan – Swings
Richard O’Brien – Writer
Christopher Luscombe – Director
Hugh Durrant – Design
Sue Blane – Costume Designer
Nathan M. Wright – Choreographer
Nick Richings – Lighting Designer
Gareth Owen – Sound Designer
Richard Hartley – Original Musical Arrangements
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
New Wimbledon Theatre, 30 June to 5 July 2025
Then UK and Europe tour continues to 18 July 2026
Book Tickets for New WImbledon Theatre
