Rocky Horror Show

In a week that Manchester hosts Pride it seems only fitting that the Opera house has Richard O'Brien's cult classic the Rocky Horror Show with all its sequins, sparkles, and sweet transvestites, and that's just the audience. - a sign that life is beginning to return to some degree of normality. It's astounding!

Its hard to believe that anyone doesn't know the story as it has been nearly 50 years since Richard created the show, slowly growing over time to become the cult classic it is today, but there are people out there who haven't experienced the raunch and spectacle that is Brad Majors, the nerdy college kid who, together with his fiancée Janet Weise ,stumbling upon the creepy castle of Dr Frank N Furter and getting drawn into a series of spectacular events, from the murder of the delivery guy Eddie, to the creation of a man, and the final return to the homeland. It really is a time warp. Jumping left with dancing and stepping right with the singing. Hot patootie Bless my sole it really is a must see.

Of course the subject of the pandemic and current foreign policy cannot be avoided altogether. The show's narrator, reprised by Philip Franks, seamlessly inserts several jokes about political figures and recent events along the way, reacting with quick wit to the heckles from the stalls.

It is easy to become fully immersed in the legendary show and forget the outside world for a couple of hours. Audience partici..............."pation" is actively encouraged and the cast seem almost disappointed if their lines don't illicit a pun or two from the crowd.

The exuberant cast does not hold back, with strong vocal performances from each member and gleeful ensemble dance numbers.

A Rocky Horror veteran Kristin Lavercombe has starred in more than 1,800 renditions of the show and is the longest running performers in its 48 year history. He is great as a stooped Riff Raff. Transforming into a upright leader on his return to the homeland.

Ore Oduba as Brad seemed an odd choice, the live events broadcaster seemed to only have the fact he had previously won Strictly Come Dancing as his qualifier for the role, but in fact he is a musicals veteran having starred in Grease and Curtains previously. He showed a real vulnerability as the clean cut Brad revealing some impressive comedic value and singing.

Stephen Webb is a very impressive villain, his ability to show the two sides of the outrageous character Frank-N-Furter is iconic. The comic timing, the dancing, and the strut in heels brought the room to its feet for the characters most notable solo of 'Sweet Transvestite". His powerful voice remarkable.

However, the female leads Haley Flaherty, as Janet, Lauren Ingram, as Columbia, and Suzie Mcadam, as Magenta, really stand out with their exceptional vocals. Lauren's emotions at the lose of Eddie and the moment she is drugged shows her ability as a performer to switch between moments with ease, and adds a moment of comedy in an already punchy comedy show.

Hugh Durrants set is interesting with the film strip border used as a window at points along with Sue Blanes costumes, its hard to adapt from the familiar costumes of the original film especially as a large part of the audience is dressed in their own versions of their favourite incarnation, but the end number in red is stunning. The band also warrants a mention for keeping time and performing the classic songs whilst towering over the set, even at one point being covered in the rising smoke from the stage. With a highly professional cast and crew at the helm this touring production maintains Rocky Horror's signature uniqueness and raw sex appeal - the very things that keep loyal fans coming back for more, more, more.