Theatre Review: Rocky Horror Show - New Wimbledon Theatre (UK Tour) ✭✭✭✭

Rocky Horror Show

New Wimbledon Theatre

29th February 2016: It's been a while since I last saw the theatre version of Rocky Horror Show, 20 years to be precise. And I'll be honest, it hasn't changed much. The hardcore fanatics still show up in costumes, burly men dressed in suspenders giving their best Frank-N-Furter looks, gold sequinned top hats are vast and Columbia's are a plenty in the audience tonight.

A big cheer goes up as the houselights go down, you can tell you are in for a good night. The one thing that hasn't changed in all these years is the set - it leaves a lot to be desired, one of those cheap offerings more suited to a school hall rather than on a hit touring musical. Thankfully, everything else makes up for it. A five strong band are in fine form and sound really good, the show overall has good sound design, lyrics can be heard crisply within the balance of the mix, and the lighting is a pleasure to watch.

Steve Punt is the Narrator this evening, and he does a brilliant job with the shouts from the crowd adding in to the many lines throughout the show. Ben Freeman is in fine voice as Brad, alongside Janet played by Diana Vickers who is also up to par with her vocal range. Liam Tamne plays a very good Frank-N-Furter, with great support from Sophie Linder-Lee as Columbia and Lauren Ingram as Magenta. Dominic Anderson plays the muscle bound Rocky, with Richard Meek playing the dual roles of Eddie and Dr Scott.

Kristian Lavercombe however steals the show as Riff Raff. His voice combined with the stirring electric guitars throughout sends shivers down your back, what a great talent! All the usual songs are there, the Timewarp had the audience on their feet singing along, Sweet Transvestite another singalong favourite, and Diana Vickers once again showed off her voice in Touch a Touch Me.

A great night out indeed, and the light over at Frankenstein's place is certainly shining bright.

4 stars ✭✭✭✭

Tour dates with Narrator

29 February – 5 March 2016 Wimbledon: New Wimbledon Theatre - Steve Punt

07 – 12 March 2016 Torquay: Princess Theatre - Norman Pace

14 – 19 March 2016 Bradford: Alhambra Theatre - Norman Pace/Charlie Condeau (18th)

28 March – 2 April 2016 Edinburgh: Playhouse Theatre - Norman Pace

4 – 9 April 2016 Belfast: Grand Opera House - Norman Pace

11 – 16 April 2016 York: Opera House - Steve Punt

18 – 23 April 2016 Aylesbury: Waterside Theatre - Steve Punt

25 – 30 April 2016 Nottingham: Theatre Royal - Steve Punt

02 – 07 May 2016 Richmond: Richmond Theatre - Steve Punt

09 – 14 May 2016 Malvern: Malvern Theatres - Steve Punt

23 – 28 May 2016 Stoke: Regent Theatre - Steve Punt

6 – 11 June 2016 Dartford: Orchard - Norman Pace