REVIEW
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
Richard O'Brien's
50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR OF THE
ROCKY HORROR SHOW
14th August – 19th August 2023
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
Richard O'Brien's
50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR OF THE
ROCKY HORROR SHOW
14th August – 19th August 2023
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
It’s unbelievable to think that the Rocky Horror Show is now celebrating its 50th Anniversary Tour. Created by Richard O’Brien as, in his words, “a very juvenile piece of work..” despite being 31 years old at the time of writing it, he could never have imagined that his work would permeate over the years to become as iconic a piece of theatre as it has become now. The hit musical tells the story of Brad and his fiancée, Janet; two squeaky clean college kids whose car breaks down near a creepy old mansion, and where they find themselves embroiled in a wildly frivolous and scintillating adventure as they hook up with Dr Frank’n’Furter and the other promiscuous inhabitants as they venture inside.
If you’re a die-hard fan of the Rocky Horror Show you will know that this is a show like no other. Wherever this show rocks up (excuse the pun) you will find audience members ready for a guaranteed fun night out. Southend’s first night was no exception with a large proportion of the audience either dressed up as their favourite characters or wearing t-shirts with the iconic red lips emblazoned across their chests. There's a great merch stall in the foyer so don't fear if you need a last minute fix. It’s also ok for the audience to shout out retorts to the characters on stage, so if you’re a Rocky Horror virgin, don’t be alarmed. In fact, if the person shouting out really knows their stuff, this can be the making of the evening, much like it was on Southend’s opening night. If you’re a bit of a prude, you could find yourself slightly offended when you hear some members of the audience calling Janet a slut and suggesting sexual positions that may make your eyes water. If this is the case, then this show is probably not for you, but then I'd hazard a guess that you'd secretly love it. The enjoyment is in the quick witted reactions from the actors and there was lots of this at Southend last night with a wonderful audience vibe.
The show itself, just never seems to get old. There is always a relevance to it and although perhaps the shock factor isn’t as strong as it likely was in 1973, it still has a relatability factor for many, despite it’s quirky tongue in cheek nod to the science fiction movies of old.
This 50th Anniversary Touring production has a great cast with Stephen Webb taking on the role, once again, of Frank’n’Furter and really making it his own. There are nods to Tim Curry, who played him in the movie, but Webb’s Frank is even more deliciously dirty and flirty. Richard Meek, as always, plays the perfect Brad and Haley Flaherty, likewise, is a fantastic sexually awakened Janet. The scene with Janet and Frank and subsequently Brad in the bed is one of the best - so funny and well played.
Joe McFadden, best known for his roles in Holby, Heartbeat and as a Strictly winner, takes on the Narrator role with perhaps a little too much glee. He is slightly over-excitable, but certainly endears himself to the audience in a role that's probably tougher than it looks.
Kristian Lavercombe is possibly becoming more iconic than its creator, playing the same role that O’Brien gave himself all those years ago, and has now performed in the show over 2000 times - more than anyone else in its entire history. Rocky Horror fans adore him and his performance as Riff Raff is as powerful now as it has ever been.
The whole cast is really tight and every number looks and sounds wonderful from Science Fiction, Double Feature sung by the fabulous Suzie McAdam (who also plays Magenta) as the Usherette at the top of the show, to Sweet Transvestite, Time Warp, Toucha, Toucha, Toucha, Whatever Happened to Saturday Night and I’m Going Home, all firm favourites with the audience. The music is loud and the band sound great.
Whether you’re a Rocky virgin or you’ve seen the show a hundred times, this current touring production will not disappoint. It’s probably one of the best casts I’ve seen and you can’t help but leave the auditorium with a huge smile and the moves to the Time Warp firmly implanted into your muscle memory. A fitting tribute and opportunity to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of a show that will never grow old.
Let’s do the Time Warp again, and again, and again…
Review: Kim Tobin
If you’re a die-hard fan of the Rocky Horror Show you will know that this is a show like no other. Wherever this show rocks up (excuse the pun) you will find audience members ready for a guaranteed fun night out. Southend’s first night was no exception with a large proportion of the audience either dressed up as their favourite characters or wearing t-shirts with the iconic red lips emblazoned across their chests. There's a great merch stall in the foyer so don't fear if you need a last minute fix. It’s also ok for the audience to shout out retorts to the characters on stage, so if you’re a Rocky Horror virgin, don’t be alarmed. In fact, if the person shouting out really knows their stuff, this can be the making of the evening, much like it was on Southend’s opening night. If you’re a bit of a prude, you could find yourself slightly offended when you hear some members of the audience calling Janet a slut and suggesting sexual positions that may make your eyes water. If this is the case, then this show is probably not for you, but then I'd hazard a guess that you'd secretly love it. The enjoyment is in the quick witted reactions from the actors and there was lots of this at Southend last night with a wonderful audience vibe.
The show itself, just never seems to get old. There is always a relevance to it and although perhaps the shock factor isn’t as strong as it likely was in 1973, it still has a relatability factor for many, despite it’s quirky tongue in cheek nod to the science fiction movies of old.
This 50th Anniversary Touring production has a great cast with Stephen Webb taking on the role, once again, of Frank’n’Furter and really making it his own. There are nods to Tim Curry, who played him in the movie, but Webb’s Frank is even more deliciously dirty and flirty. Richard Meek, as always, plays the perfect Brad and Haley Flaherty, likewise, is a fantastic sexually awakened Janet. The scene with Janet and Frank and subsequently Brad in the bed is one of the best - so funny and well played.
Joe McFadden, best known for his roles in Holby, Heartbeat and as a Strictly winner, takes on the Narrator role with perhaps a little too much glee. He is slightly over-excitable, but certainly endears himself to the audience in a role that's probably tougher than it looks.
Kristian Lavercombe is possibly becoming more iconic than its creator, playing the same role that O’Brien gave himself all those years ago, and has now performed in the show over 2000 times - more than anyone else in its entire history. Rocky Horror fans adore him and his performance as Riff Raff is as powerful now as it has ever been.
The whole cast is really tight and every number looks and sounds wonderful from Science Fiction, Double Feature sung by the fabulous Suzie McAdam (who also plays Magenta) as the Usherette at the top of the show, to Sweet Transvestite, Time Warp, Toucha, Toucha, Toucha, Whatever Happened to Saturday Night and I’m Going Home, all firm favourites with the audience. The music is loud and the band sound great.
Whether you’re a Rocky virgin or you’ve seen the show a hundred times, this current touring production will not disappoint. It’s probably one of the best casts I’ve seen and you can’t help but leave the auditorium with a huge smile and the moves to the Time Warp firmly implanted into your muscle memory. A fitting tribute and opportunity to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of a show that will never grow old.
Let’s do the Time Warp again, and again, and again…
Review: Kim Tobin
Scottish actor and winner of Strictly Come Dancing Joe McFadden will join the 50th Anniversary tour of the legendary smash hit musical The Rocky Horror Show for a limited four week run in Belfast, Southend, Nottingham, and Swindon. Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical celebrates 50 years of non-stop partying with this special anniversary production that continues to play a newly extended tour through 2023 to sell-out crowds. Tickets are on sale now from RockyHorror.co.uk.
Joe, known for his extensive work on both stage and screen (Holby City/Heartbeat /Priscilla Queen of the Desert/The Mirror Crack’d), is excited to be hitting the road to add to the frivolities. No stranger to the dancefloor, Joe is more than qualified to don his fishnets as the Narrator and join this extraordinary cast to deliver a guaranteed party not to be missed.
Joe said: “I’m really excited to be joining the Rocky Horror Show during the 50th anniversary tour. I’ve seen the show countless times over the years and am a massive fan so I can’t wait to join the celebrations of this iconic show. I am looking forward to donning my fishnets as the Narrator and Time Warping up and down the country with this amazing cast”.
Since it first opened in London in June 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre The Rocky Horror Show has become the longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world. The show has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide in more than 30 countries and translated into 20 languages as it continues to delight audiences on its sell-out international tour.
“So fast, so funny, so sexy” – Daily Mail
“Still the sexiest and funniest show in town” – Evening Standard
Without doubt the Rocky Horror Show is as iconic as it gets. Lighting up the stage this phenomenal cast will perform songs that are embedded in pop culture. The celebratory tour will continue throughout 2023, visiting Aylesbury, Crewe, Woking, Portsmouth, Belfast, Southend, Nottingham, Swindon, Canterbury, Norwich, Aberdeen, Bradford, Ipswich and Hull - with further dates to be announced. The cast are in full throttle and ready to honour this monumental moment, delivering a guaranteed party that leaps off the stage and transcends into the audience.
Producer Howard Panter said: “Rocky Horror has always been a show I loved, since its earliest days in the Kings Road. Richard O’Brien and I are delighted this non-stop party continues to thrill audiences across the world, and we look forward to the next 50 years!”
Richard O’Brien said: “Back in the 1970’s when someone asked me to entertain the Christmas staff party at the EMI Film Studios and I turned up with a song called Science Fiction Double Feature who would have known this was the germ of the idea to turn into today what is The Rocky Horror Show. To be celebrating fifty years is beyond my wildest expectations - from the humble beginnings back in 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre in London. The fact that The Rocky Horror show continues to delight audiences as it tours the UK fifty years on is simply thrilling. The Rocky Horror Show is one of Britain’s most performed and beloved musicals of all time.”
A brilliant cast are already wowing Rocky Horror audiences up and down the country, with West End star Stephen Webb (Jersey Boys/Legally Blonde) continuing in the iconic role of Frank, slipping into a corset and heels with ease, Richard Meek (Hairspray/Spamlot) makes a welcome return as Brad and is joined by fan favourite Haley Flaherty (Mamma Mia/Chicago) as Janet.
Kristian Lavercombe (Jersey Boys/Jesus Christ Superstar) once again reprises his role as Riff Raff, following more than 2000 performances around the world, with Darcy Finden who made her professional debut last year as one of the Phantoms now stepping up to play the role of as Columbia. Ben Westhead (Oliver/The Sound of Music) plays Rocky, Suzie McAdams (School of Rock/Kinky Boots) takes on the role of Magenta and Joe Allen (Little Shop of Horrors/Charlie & The Chocolate Factory) plays Eddie & Dr Scott. Playing the Phantoms are Stefania Du Toit (Starlight Express/Singing in the Rain), Beth Woodcock (Bat Out Of Hell), Reece Budin (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical/Man of La Mancha) and Fionán O'Carroll (Theatre whilst training: Urinetown/Children of Eden) who is making his professional debut. Nathan Shaw (Walk Like A Man) and Tyla Nurden (Funny Girl/Carrie, The Musical) are Swings.
Directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror Show is ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, and features timeless classics including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic thrusting show stopping Time Warp.
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. The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation - meaning, of course, getting dressed-up in the most outrageous fancy dress.
The Rocky Horror Show first began life in 1973 before an audience of just 63 people in the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs. It was an immediate success and transferred to the Chelsea Classic Cinema, before going on to run at the Kings Road Theatre, 1973-79 and the Comedy Theatre in the West End, 1979-80. In 1975 it was transformed into a film called ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. This film adaptation took over $135 million at the Box Office and is still shown in cinemas around the world more than 40 years after its premiere, making it the longest running theatrical release in cinema history. Many stars including Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Jerry Springer, Jason Donovan and Meatloaf have appeared in The Rocky Horror Show over the past 45 years.
In 2015, as part of a sold-out season at London’s Playhouse Theatre, a special star-studded Gala charity performance in aid of Amnesty International was broadcast to over 600 cinemas across the UK and Europe. The live screening - featuring a host of celebrities playing The Narrator including Stephen Fry, Mel Giedroyc, Emma Bunton, Ade Edmondson, Anthony Head and Richard O’Brien - smashed box office records and was the biggest grossing film in cinemas across the UK. The performance was subsequently screened on the Sky Arts channel.
Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, The Rocky Horror Show is the boldest bash of them all. But be warned, this show has rude parts!
What the press have said about The Rocky Horror Show:
“Relentlessly energetic and high on audience participation” – The Times
“Hard to think of another musical quite as unique as this. Christopher Luscombe’s affectionate production feels like a genuine blast from the past” – Mail on Sunday
“As delightfully naughty as ever!” – Daily Telegraph
3rd July – 8th July 2023
Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury
10th July – 15th July 2023
Lyceum Theatre, Crewe
17th July – 22nd July 2023
New Victoria Theatre, Woking
24th July – 29th July 2023
Kings Theatre, Portsmouth
7th August – 12th August
Grand Opera House, Belfast
14th August – 19th August 2023
The Cliffs Pavillion, Southend
21st August – 26th August 2023
Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
28th August – 2nd September 2023
Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
4th September – 9th September 2023
The Marlowe, Canterbury
11th September – 16th September
Theatre Royal, Norwich
19th September – 23rd September 2023
His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
25th September – 30th September 2023
Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
2nd October – 7th October 2023
Regents Theatre, Ipswich
9th October – 14th October 2023
New Theatre, Hull
8th January – 13th January 2024
Sunderland Empire
23rd January – 28th January 2024
Manchester Opera House
30th January – 4th February 2024
Glasgow Pavilion
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Ticket prices: From £10
Website: www.rockyhorror.co.uk
Twitter: @rockyhorroruk
Instagram: @rockyhorrorofficial
Facebook: /rockyhorrorshow
Joe, known for his extensive work on both stage and screen (Holby City/Heartbeat /Priscilla Queen of the Desert/The Mirror Crack’d), is excited to be hitting the road to add to the frivolities. No stranger to the dancefloor, Joe is more than qualified to don his fishnets as the Narrator and join this extraordinary cast to deliver a guaranteed party not to be missed.
Joe said: “I’m really excited to be joining the Rocky Horror Show during the 50th anniversary tour. I’ve seen the show countless times over the years and am a massive fan so I can’t wait to join the celebrations of this iconic show. I am looking forward to donning my fishnets as the Narrator and Time Warping up and down the country with this amazing cast”.
Since it first opened in London in June 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre The Rocky Horror Show has become the longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world. The show has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide in more than 30 countries and translated into 20 languages as it continues to delight audiences on its sell-out international tour.
“So fast, so funny, so sexy” – Daily Mail
“Still the sexiest and funniest show in town” – Evening Standard
Without doubt the Rocky Horror Show is as iconic as it gets. Lighting up the stage this phenomenal cast will perform songs that are embedded in pop culture. The celebratory tour will continue throughout 2023, visiting Aylesbury, Crewe, Woking, Portsmouth, Belfast, Southend, Nottingham, Swindon, Canterbury, Norwich, Aberdeen, Bradford, Ipswich and Hull - with further dates to be announced. The cast are in full throttle and ready to honour this monumental moment, delivering a guaranteed party that leaps off the stage and transcends into the audience.
Producer Howard Panter said: “Rocky Horror has always been a show I loved, since its earliest days in the Kings Road. Richard O’Brien and I are delighted this non-stop party continues to thrill audiences across the world, and we look forward to the next 50 years!”
Richard O’Brien said: “Back in the 1970’s when someone asked me to entertain the Christmas staff party at the EMI Film Studios and I turned up with a song called Science Fiction Double Feature who would have known this was the germ of the idea to turn into today what is The Rocky Horror Show. To be celebrating fifty years is beyond my wildest expectations - from the humble beginnings back in 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre in London. The fact that The Rocky Horror show continues to delight audiences as it tours the UK fifty years on is simply thrilling. The Rocky Horror Show is one of Britain’s most performed and beloved musicals of all time.”
A brilliant cast are already wowing Rocky Horror audiences up and down the country, with West End star Stephen Webb (Jersey Boys/Legally Blonde) continuing in the iconic role of Frank, slipping into a corset and heels with ease, Richard Meek (Hairspray/Spamlot) makes a welcome return as Brad and is joined by fan favourite Haley Flaherty (Mamma Mia/Chicago) as Janet.
Kristian Lavercombe (Jersey Boys/Jesus Christ Superstar) once again reprises his role as Riff Raff, following more than 2000 performances around the world, with Darcy Finden who made her professional debut last year as one of the Phantoms now stepping up to play the role of as Columbia. Ben Westhead (Oliver/The Sound of Music) plays Rocky, Suzie McAdams (School of Rock/Kinky Boots) takes on the role of Magenta and Joe Allen (Little Shop of Horrors/Charlie & The Chocolate Factory) plays Eddie & Dr Scott. Playing the Phantoms are Stefania Du Toit (Starlight Express/Singing in the Rain), Beth Woodcock (Bat Out Of Hell), Reece Budin (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical/Man of La Mancha) and Fionán O'Carroll (Theatre whilst training: Urinetown/Children of Eden) who is making his professional debut. Nathan Shaw (Walk Like A Man) and Tyla Nurden (Funny Girl/Carrie, The Musical) are Swings.
Directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror Show is ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, and features timeless classics including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic thrusting show stopping Time Warp.
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. The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation - meaning, of course, getting dressed-up in the most outrageous fancy dress.
The Rocky Horror Show first began life in 1973 before an audience of just 63 people in the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs. It was an immediate success and transferred to the Chelsea Classic Cinema, before going on to run at the Kings Road Theatre, 1973-79 and the Comedy Theatre in the West End, 1979-80. In 1975 it was transformed into a film called ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. This film adaptation took over $135 million at the Box Office and is still shown in cinemas around the world more than 40 years after its premiere, making it the longest running theatrical release in cinema history. Many stars including Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Jerry Springer, Jason Donovan and Meatloaf have appeared in The Rocky Horror Show over the past 45 years.
In 2015, as part of a sold-out season at London’s Playhouse Theatre, a special star-studded Gala charity performance in aid of Amnesty International was broadcast to over 600 cinemas across the UK and Europe. The live screening - featuring a host of celebrities playing The Narrator including Stephen Fry, Mel Giedroyc, Emma Bunton, Ade Edmondson, Anthony Head and Richard O’Brien - smashed box office records and was the biggest grossing film in cinemas across the UK. The performance was subsequently screened on the Sky Arts channel.
Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, The Rocky Horror Show is the boldest bash of them all. But be warned, this show has rude parts!
What the press have said about The Rocky Horror Show:
“Relentlessly energetic and high on audience participation” – The Times
“Hard to think of another musical quite as unique as this. Christopher Luscombe’s affectionate production feels like a genuine blast from the past” – Mail on Sunday
“As delightfully naughty as ever!” – Daily Telegraph
3rd July – 8th July 2023
Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury
10th July – 15th July 2023
Lyceum Theatre, Crewe
17th July – 22nd July 2023
New Victoria Theatre, Woking
24th July – 29th July 2023
Kings Theatre, Portsmouth
7th August – 12th August
Grand Opera House, Belfast
14th August – 19th August 2023
The Cliffs Pavillion, Southend
21st August – 26th August 2023
Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
28th August – 2nd September 2023
Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
4th September – 9th September 2023
The Marlowe, Canterbury
11th September – 16th September
Theatre Royal, Norwich
19th September – 23rd September 2023
His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
25th September – 30th September 2023
Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
2nd October – 7th October 2023
Regents Theatre, Ipswich
9th October – 14th October 2023
New Theatre, Hull
8th January – 13th January 2024
Sunderland Empire
23rd January – 28th January 2024
Manchester Opera House
30th January – 4th February 2024
Glasgow Pavilion
LISTINGS INFORMATION
Ticket prices: From £10
Website: www.rockyhorror.co.uk
Twitter: @rockyhorroruk
Instagram: @rockyhorrorofficial
Facebook: /rockyhorrorshow
Photo Credits: David Freeman