Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea
15th - 20th August 2016
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea
15th - 20th August 2016
As its director, Christopher Luscombe, says, “Rocky is like a holiday from life. It’s a carnival - it’s a carnival for people who have to be back at their desks in the morning…until the next time Rocky struts into town.”
Well, Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show has indeed strutted into town and Southend’s Cliffs Pavilion are playing host to what has become one of the cult musicals of all time. Richard O’Brien’s original musical began its life over 40 years ago in the Theatre Upstairs at the Royal Court which being a 63-seater, was even tinier than Southend’s Dixon Studio upstairs at The Palace Theatre. The show soon became the hottest ticket in town with venues becoming larger and within a year, O’Brien, playing Riff Raff and Tim Curry as Frank-N-Furter were performing in the show in Los Angeles, before starring in the film version at the end of 1974.
A musical about science fiction in the style of the old B-movie classic, combined with its messages of sexual awakening and freedom, didn’t take long to receive cult following; especially amongst the university campuses in the States and very soon it became popular to dress up as the characters, not only for the film showings at cinemas but also to the musical productions in theatres.
Well, Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show has indeed strutted into town and Southend’s Cliffs Pavilion are playing host to what has become one of the cult musicals of all time. Richard O’Brien’s original musical began its life over 40 years ago in the Theatre Upstairs at the Royal Court which being a 63-seater, was even tinier than Southend’s Dixon Studio upstairs at The Palace Theatre. The show soon became the hottest ticket in town with venues becoming larger and within a year, O’Brien, playing Riff Raff and Tim Curry as Frank-N-Furter were performing in the show in Los Angeles, before starring in the film version at the end of 1974.
A musical about science fiction in the style of the old B-movie classic, combined with its messages of sexual awakening and freedom, didn’t take long to receive cult following; especially amongst the university campuses in the States and very soon it became popular to dress up as the characters, not only for the film showings at cinemas but also to the musical productions in theatres.
There aren’t many times one has the opportunity to dress up in costume on a theatre visit so I thought I’d take full advantage of doing this for Tuesday night’s performance at The Cliffs. Fortunately, having interviewed Paul Cattermole, (playing Eddie and Dr Scott), the previous day (click here for interview), he dropped me some insider advice as to what the easiest costume choice would be:- the white lab coat and glasses - easy. Add some fishnet tights, heels and a good few layers of red lipstick and you’re ready to go. Lots of people, delightfully, go full out on costumes which really gives a great buzz to the audience dynamic, although I have to stress it isn’t compulsory.
The Rocky Horror Show is also the only show I can think of where the audience have licence to shout out during the performance. There’s even an audience participation guide* for ‘virgins’ (people who have never seen the show before), to help you out with what you can and can’t yell. For instance, when the Narrator, played by Norman Pace, clearly in his element, mentions Brad the audience shout out “asshole” and for Janet, “slut”. Yes, you can actually shout this out and not be thrown out of the auditorium. Norman Pace, who most of us will know as one half of the Hale and Pace comedy duo, does a fine job in the part and bats back the audience shout outs with ease. However, don’t get carried away - as one lady did on the night I was in - and get up on the stage during the finale because Liam Tamne as Frank-N-Furter will curtly point you back to your seat with a glare that could freeze the Estuary!
The story begins with Brad and his fiancé Janet, who are on their way to see their old teacher Dr Scott. Their car breaks down and, like in all the best B-movie traditions, they decide to knock on the door of the castle in the middle of the woods. And so begins a night of debauchery and sexual awakening for them both.
The Brad and Janet in this production are played to perfection by Richard Meek and Diana Vickers (X-Factor semi-finalist). O’Brien and Hartley’s score is a high percentage of what makes this show so good and really stands the test of time. There are some great tunes and anyone who doesn’t get up for the “Time Warp” really needs sort themselves out. I loved Richard Meek’s rendition of “Once In A While” - a beautiful timeless ballad which he makes completely endearing and Diana Vickers more than proves herself as a musical theatre star.
The Rocky Horror Show is also the only show I can think of where the audience have licence to shout out during the performance. There’s even an audience participation guide* for ‘virgins’ (people who have never seen the show before), to help you out with what you can and can’t yell. For instance, when the Narrator, played by Norman Pace, clearly in his element, mentions Brad the audience shout out “asshole” and for Janet, “slut”. Yes, you can actually shout this out and not be thrown out of the auditorium. Norman Pace, who most of us will know as one half of the Hale and Pace comedy duo, does a fine job in the part and bats back the audience shout outs with ease. However, don’t get carried away - as one lady did on the night I was in - and get up on the stage during the finale because Liam Tamne as Frank-N-Furter will curtly point you back to your seat with a glare that could freeze the Estuary!
The story begins with Brad and his fiancé Janet, who are on their way to see their old teacher Dr Scott. Their car breaks down and, like in all the best B-movie traditions, they decide to knock on the door of the castle in the middle of the woods. And so begins a night of debauchery and sexual awakening for them both.
The Brad and Janet in this production are played to perfection by Richard Meek and Diana Vickers (X-Factor semi-finalist). O’Brien and Hartley’s score is a high percentage of what makes this show so good and really stands the test of time. There are some great tunes and anyone who doesn’t get up for the “Time Warp” really needs sort themselves out. I loved Richard Meek’s rendition of “Once In A While” - a beautiful timeless ballad which he makes completely endearing and Diana Vickers more than proves herself as a musical theatre star.
The rock and roll aspect is covered by Paul Cattermole (S Club 7) as Eddie in "Hot Patootie" but who, I feel, really shows off his acting and comedic side as wheelchair bound Dr Scott.
The lynchpin of the show is, of course, Frank-N-Furter and Liam Tamne (The Voice) looks and sounds amazing, outrageously taking full control of the sweet Transylvanian transvestite. His sinister side kick, Riff Raff has been played by Kristian Lavercombe over 1,000 times and he looks as if he were born to play the part. One of my favourite characters is Colombia, who gets to act a full range of emotions and she is played in all her squeaky voiced glory by Sophie Linder-Lee.
The real appeal of this show is that it gives you permission to be different, to embrace your sexuality, to have fun, dress up, get involved - so come on Southend audiences, slap on your makeup, pull on those fishnets, squeeze yourselves into a figure hugging basque, whip a feather boa around your neck, step into those killer heels and get yourselves down to the Cliffs Pavilion for a theatrical experience you’ll never forget….ladies feel free to join in too!! “Don’t Dream it, Be it.”
* audience participation script
Tickets are still available at southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135
The lynchpin of the show is, of course, Frank-N-Furter and Liam Tamne (The Voice) looks and sounds amazing, outrageously taking full control of the sweet Transylvanian transvestite. His sinister side kick, Riff Raff has been played by Kristian Lavercombe over 1,000 times and he looks as if he were born to play the part. One of my favourite characters is Colombia, who gets to act a full range of emotions and she is played in all her squeaky voiced glory by Sophie Linder-Lee.
The real appeal of this show is that it gives you permission to be different, to embrace your sexuality, to have fun, dress up, get involved - so come on Southend audiences, slap on your makeup, pull on those fishnets, squeeze yourselves into a figure hugging basque, whip a feather boa around your neck, step into those killer heels and get yourselves down to the Cliffs Pavilion for a theatrical experience you’ll never forget….ladies feel free to join in too!! “Don’t Dream it, Be it.”
* audience participation script
Tickets are still available at southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135