Rocky Horror at Theatre Royal Newcastle
For many, many years, Rocky Horror has been synonymous with
late night cult, dressing up and Sci-Fi ‘B’ movies, audiences resplendent in
their stockings and basques and lead actors trying hard to emulate the
perfection that is Tim Curry. For many
attempts it rates as good fun but this most recent production takes the
spectacle into another realm, that of bloomin brilliant. Any fan of Rocky Horror MUST see this version
(and I know, this was the 25th different production I have seen) –
it is as close to the original stage and screen production but with bang up to
date set and lighting.
Everyone going to see Rocky probably knows the story;
teenage couple get stranded at a strange lodge and endure a night of passion,
confusion, fear and ultimate realisation. The themes of 50’s sci-fi and the
fear of the unknown are still relevant today but lets be honest, this show isn’t
watched for its social commentary, we
want sex and drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. Frank
‘n’ Furter, the crazed alien doctor hell bent on creating the perfect man is played
by Duncan James (he of Blue) and to be honest, the BEST Frank I have seen. His portrayal of a sex crazed megalomaniac is
brilliant – part dominatrix, part innocent child but all RHS. Callum Evans plays Rocky and is probably the
ultimate specimen of man; toned, tanned, fit and ready as a certain Dogg would say.
I have seen Rocky through 25 different productions (since
the original RHPS) including ‘star’ billing, West End and anniversary shows but
this one, with Duncan James as Frank is the ultimate – he is perfection worthy
of rivalling the master Tim Curry. Resplendent
in feathers, dominant in a basque yet vulnerable in every scene (no more so
than the tear jerking Cards for Sorrow Song) Duncan is, after 30 years of
watching, my favourite Frank. Joanne
Clifton as Janet is wonderful, her progression from prissy virgin to wakened woman
is brilliant while James Darch as Brad
keeps the stiff Mid-American expectation that men are men and women are
women. Steve Punt brings his brilliant comedic wit and timing to the narrator, never phased by the predictable heckling yet all too original in his put downs The supporting cast are also worthy of mention,
in particular Laura Harrison who opens the show as the Usherette and sets the
whole show perfectly – it feels like watching real fans of the original RHPS getting their chance to play their favourite
parts and they do so with perfection.
The complete show, brilliantly directed by Chris Luscombe,
set by Hugh Durrant and perfectly lit by Nick Richings, gives a 70’s ethereal feeling
backed by an ultra-modern high tech set and light show that brings the audience
right into the party , steps back to the original ’73 production but keeps everything
fresh and new. The whole cast appear to be real fans of the original and, a such,
their portrayal of their roles is perfection – homage to RHPS and yet keeping
the raw, real feel of live theatre.
Rocky Horror Show is at Newcastle Theatre Royal until 10th
August
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