Rocky Horror show is certainly a cult hit by this point, clearly evidenced by the masses of Franks, Riff Raffs and more in the New Theatre foyer area, along with an abundance of corsets, high heels and golden top hats. It’s always an experience attending a production of this show, even from the moment of stepping into the theatre! But after all these years, does the classic show still deserve its prominent status?

The show looks back to its classic roots but with a fresh new face, courtesy of direction from Christoper Luscombe and excellent synchronicity from choreographer, Nathan M Wright. The Phantoms and cast are slick, utilising the full stage and, surrounding, but never encroaching upon the main action. There is a freshness and a joy to the movements which I think I’ve missed in other productions of this show. The contrast between the bright, popping colours of the first scenes and the later darker, yet still fabulous interior of the castle is expertly designed by Hugh Durrant. The whole set is surrounded with a twisting film reel and the musicians sit above it all, looking down upon the action. Lighting makes the stage truly pop with disco balls, lasers, projections directly onto the stage and more, another layer to the craziness of the plot, designed by Nick Richings.

The music is iconic of course and is lavishly brought to life here by a talented Josh Sood and his band, Ollie Boorman (drums), Dan Humphreys (bass guitar), Liam Spencer-Smith (guitars) and Dave Webb (reeds). Having them onstage rather than below in a pit really makes them a part of the action and ensures that the music envelops the audience in those well-known musical numbers. The songs are performed with panache by the band; the stand outs are Sweet Tranvestite and, of course, the incredible, Time Warp, which had multiple members of the audience up on their feet and dancing along.

What truly made this show for me was the outstanding cast; each and every one of them gives us a truly joyous performance; the singing and comic timing is particularly good. Lauren Chia and Connor Carson are lovable and clueless as our young lovebirds, Janet and Brad; I particularly enjoyed their rendition of Once in a While, beautifully harmonised, a tender moment in a somewhat manic and crazy show. Job Greuter, Natasha Hoeberigs and Jayne-Lee Zanoncelli are the life and soul of the party as Riff Raff, Magenta and Columbia. As the leading force behind Time Warp, they literally blow the roof off the New Theatre; the vocals and performances here are exceptional. I was also really impressed by Greuter’s vocal performance in Over at the Frankenstein Place. Edward Bullingham also delivers an excellent version of Hot Patootie, bursting onto the stage as Eddie and returning later as Dr Scott.

The Narrator must be an intimidating role to step into in this show, he is, after all, the victim of most of the heckling from the audience. However, Nathan Caton truly utilises his comic chops here, gives the audience as good (and sometimes as rude and crude!) as he gets, and his responses are so fast and witty that the hecklers need ice for his burns by the end of the show! He is effortlessly funny, bang up to date and owns the stage whenever he steps onto it. Frank N Furter is performed on 4^th and 5^th November by Stephen Webb, a veteran of the show who has played the role on multiple occasions. From the moment the doors open, and he appears, draped in his cape to perform Sweet Transvestite, to the final curtain call, Webb is a brilliant, loveable yet devilish Frank, strutting across the stage with so much poise, a twinkle in his eye and a phenomenal voice. His performance of I’m Going Home was such a poignant moment, proving he can show us the softer, more tender side of Frank too.

The show is truly a rollicking, fast paced, no holds barred production, and the finale has the audience up and dancing as one. The plot is insane, but it doesn’t matter; for two hours the audience laugh, heckle, clap, dance and even sing along in this bonkers yet full of heart production. Whether you’re a long-time attendee of the show or its your first time seeing it, there’s something for everyone here, but just make sure to leave your inhibitions well and truly at home!