Review: Rocky Horror Show Live
Over the last six months, I’ve developed a newfound appreciation for the arts, especially musicals and plays. While most theatres are temporarily closed, I combed through the vaults of YouTube and found a gem of a past production. If you need to get your arts fix during these uncertain times; I recommend Rocky Horror Show Live.
This Gala performance was filmed at the Playhouse Theatre in London on 17 September, 2015 and simulcast live to cinemas across the UK and Europe. Happily, the broadcast is now available to stream on YouTube. This was the first time I had watched a production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and boy, is it something.
Brad and Janet are a newly engaged couple on their way to visit their old professor when their car breaks down. They decide to visit a nearby castle for help, where they are greeted by Dr Frank-N-Furter, a mad scientist who is in the midst of his latest experiment.
As a Rocky Horror virgin, I was surprised at the start when the audience members were calling out to the cast. I later realised that audience participation is a big part of The Rocky Horror Show experience. The actors relished these interactions and it was so much fun to watch. I only wish this stream had closed captions.
Image credit: A Shared Madness
The cast was mesmerising and well-chosen. Straight-laced Brad is played by Ben Forster who brought Buddy Holly vibes to his performance. Haley Flaherty is both innocent and sexy as Janet. Kristian Lavercombe shines as an Igor-like Riff Raff. David Bedella is flamboyant and captivating as Frank-N-Furter.
A host of celebrities played the Narrator including Stephen Fry, Anthony Head, Emma Bunton and the creator of the show Richard O’Brien. During the interval, Richard O’Brien and Adrian Edmonson have a short interview.
Ana Matronic from Scissor Sisters also appears,giving a moving account on being free to express yourself since the Gala event was in aid of Amnesty International.
Image credit: Rhodes Media
As this is a rock ‘n’ roll musical, there are plenty of catchy songs which are performed by a live band. Time Warp is a fan favourite and I loved seeing the audience get up on their feet to dance to this number. The show does get risqué at times so it’s definitely not safe for work!
I think that part of the magic of Rocky Horror is being in a crowded theatre with enthusiastic fans who dress up and call out ad-libs to the cast. Since watching this stream, I am now a fan of the show and hope to see a live production one day. In the meantime, I shall wait with antici...pation.
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Written by Shahrzad Saeedi
