What do you get when you mix extra-terrestrial activities from another planet with a rock and roll soundtrack?
On Wednesday 16th and Saturday 18th February, I had the pleasure of watching Rocky Horror as part of the 50th anniversary tour at the Blackpool Grand Theatre.
For those who don’t know what Rocky Horror is about, it tells the story of the events concerning Brad Majors and his fiancée, Janet Weiss. The event that essentially kicks off the entire show is their car breaking down whilst they are on their way to visit an old school teacher from Denton High, Dr Everett Scott. Their car tyres end up blowing out and they have to visit a castle where they meet Riff Raff, played by the absolutely incredibly talented Kristian Lavercombe, who in my opinion is on a par with the original Riff Raff and creator of the show, Richard O’Brien. They also meet his sister Magenta, played by Suzie McAdam, and servants that aren’t what they seem to be who work for the master of the house, Frank’N’Furter (Stephen Webb) a scientist with questionable methods of creating life. There’s Eddie, a delivery boy, and Columbia, who is essentially a groupie obsessed with a lavish and fulfilling lifestyle that seems to occupy the castle.
Throughout the progression of the show itself, we get to learn more about what Frank is actually up to in his laboratory within the castle. He’s creating his ideal partner – a blond haired man named Rocky (Ben Westhead). Rocky is what I would describe as a slightly naïve and confused person who is trying to make sense of who and where they are on their first day of life. As Rocky is introduced to everyone, you can see that Riff Raff harbours some form of resentment towards Rocky and particularly Frank, even though he seems like an obedient servant. He’s a mysterious and interesting character who’s somewhat overlooked as a secondary character.
At the Grand audience shoutouts were coming from all corners of the theatre and many of them NSFP
(not safe for print). Rocky Horror fans are well known for dressing up in their most daring outfit and many of the heckles were in jokes for long-term fans. Example: ”What’s your favourite Lionel Richie song” to which the actor who is playing Riff Raff replies “Hello”. This has evolved for modern audiences who sometimes ask his favourite Adele song. There were also some excellent responses to some of the slightly more colourful shoutouts from the narrator – executed perfectly and had the entire audience in fits of laughter, especially during bed scenes where Frank’N’Furter is with Janet and then Brad, with both disguising as each other.
Rocky Horror is a riotous show like no other and new and old fans alike were in fits of laughter. Responsible for much of it while skilfully holding it all together was Philip Franks as the narrator.
Whether you’ve been loyally attending this show on its various tours for the past 50 years or you’ve just had your interest piqued by the scantily clad theatre goers parading through the town centre for the past week, Rocky Horror will not disappoint. It’s touring various venues now, heading next to Manchester and Chester, but hopefully it won’t be too long before it comes back to Blackpool where freaks and sweet transvestites are always welcome.
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