The Rocky Horror Show

Photo: David Freeman

Review by Russell Cook from Suffolk Village Info.

Suspenders, stockings and corsets along with colourful dyed hair … and that was only the audience.

Well, a few did dress up for the sparkling occasion on opening night at the Regent Theatre in Ipswich, and there were a number of other patrons who sought other outrageous costumes.

But it was the brilliant, talented, professional cast of ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ who wore the most outlandish and eye watering outfits of the lot, even though they were expected to delight the audience with their delicate, skin hugging, outlandish attire.

This foot tapping, hand clapping, legendary rock ’n’ roll musical is on a new world tour, taking in venues in England and Wales, along with Paris and New Zealand, right through until August this year.

Richard O’Brien’s stunning production has been seen by over 35 million theatregoers. And Ipswich dressed up to the nines to welcome it on the start of its tour.

Photo: David Freeman

The show is based on the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad Majors and his fiancée Janet Weiss.

By a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion while on their way to visit their former college professor.

It’s there that they meet the charismatic Dr Frank-n-Furter - and the adventure begins.

Fun, frolics, frocks and frivolity combine for a truly memorable two hour party atmosphere, which includes the timeless classics of Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet and, of course, the pelvic-thrusting, showstopping Time Warp.

There are some ‘adult’, mind boggling, bedroom antics along the way which capture the imagination, and the gothic-inspired set links well with the comic charm of the show.

Audience participation is encouraged to the full and there were lines that memorably drew raucous responses and quips, all of which created some great comic interludes.

The show is said to be attributed to the rise of punk rock, and going by the quirky cast there’s much to support that claim.

From a fully blown transvestite to a stocky, man-made muscle man, and from a cute usherette to a couple of sex slaves, there is so much to like about this brilliant show, which continues in Ipswich until Saturday before it moves on to Bradford.

A great evening’s entertainment with lots of fun and laughter.

The Rocky Horror Show is at Ipswich Regent Theatre until 31 January.

FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE