Review: The iconic Rocky Horror Picture Show at Storyhouse

I think to say I watched Rocky Horror Picture Show at Chester Storyhouse theatre would be an understatement - it is a show that can only be experienced. 

The production, stunned and entertained audiences who were eager to immerse themselves in the story. 

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. 

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.

This celebratory tour is already thrilling audiences across the UK and the world, including recent sell-out trips to Tel Aviv, Milan, Rome and Trieste.

The tour will continue throughout 2023, visiting Torquay, Sheffield, Dublin, Blackpool, Manchester, Chester, Shrewsbury, Edinburgh, Southampton, Birmingham, Cheltenham, Cardiff, Stockton, London, Eastbourne, Cornwall, Leeds, Aylesbury, Crewe, Woking, Portsmouth, Belfast, Southend, Nottingham, and Swindon - with further dates to be announced.

The extraordinary cast is ready to deliver a guaranteed party not to be missed. Tickets are on sale now from RockyHorror.co.uk.

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."

Darcy Finden (Columbia), Suzie McAdam (Magenta), Hayley Flaherty (Janet), Richard Meek (Brad) and Krristian Lavercombe (Riff Raff) (Image: Photo credit: David Freeman)

As an audience member, I truly hope it does continue for another 50 years as the Rocky Horror Picture Show experience is something not to be missed. 

The cast were masters of their craft, breathing life into these iconic characters that we all know and love whilst also never missing a beat to get an extra laugh from the audience.

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The unique beauty of Rocky is that it draws in not only the theatre crowd but also stead-fast cult fans of the production who just want to have an incredible evening. 

Something I have never seen before in a musical (other than pantomimes) is recurring 'call backs' from audience members adding extra dialogue between the actors lines. 

Whilst this would certainly be distracting in other musicals, in the world of Rocky it added an exhilerating dimension to the show and allowed the actors to play with the audience and improvise responses. 

Audience members were quick on their feet to dance to every number creating a buzz and energy that maintained throughout the entire performance. 

Philip Franks as the narrator expertly intertwined local references throughout, even mentioning Wrexham and Ellesmere Port. 

Hayley Flaherty wowed as the naive Janet with incredibly clean vocals and a showstopping performance. 

Hayley Flaherty as Janet (Image: David Freeman)

Stephen Webb slipped into a corset and heels with ease as Frank Furter, taking on the quick, flamboyant and specific character with prowess. 

The production felt fresh and the cast appeared to have just as much fun as the audience, albeit with better dancing skills and voices. 

Stephen Webb as Frank Furter (Image: David Freeman)

The staging and set design transported you into the several layers of Frank's mansion and quirky prop's such as a wooden car and vertical bed were utilised to their fullest comedy potential. 

Overall I would happily watch this musical another 50 times, especially if in the comfortable and brilliantly equipped setting of Chester Storyhouse. 

As Richard O'Brien, the show creator, said: "It is simply a Musical Comedy and as long as it rocks, and the audience are laughing what more could you wish for?"