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★★★★
Richard O’Brien’s cult classic musical ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ is back in Canterbury, with a week of performances at the Marlowe Theatre. Delighting audiences across the world for over 50 years, the long-running musical inspired the popular film starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Meat Loaf, and has earned a very loyal fanbase during its years in London, on Broadway and touring the world. Known for its unique take on theatre etiquette, specifically fancy dress being encouraged and the use of call back lines, no night at ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ is ever the same and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to watch it again this week on press night in Kent. Inspired by sci-fi and horror B-movies, there is no musical quite like this and I found it even more fun watching it for a second time on stage.
Fast-paced rock and rollercoaster
It goes without saying that the musical is incredibly fast paced, with the Narrator (Nathan Caton) taking us through Brad and Janet’s peculiar evening at Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s manor over the course of 2 hours including an interval. However, for a show as chaotic and eccentric as Rocky Horror, the rapid timing largely works. The first act is only 40 minutes long and with the narrative jumping from song to song, you really feel as if you are on a rollercoaster with the company. Act two is slightly more evenly paced, but even so, this is over in a whirlwind. It will be too quick for some audience members, especially newbies to the franchise, but as somebody who knows the material well, the pacing felt natural.
Cast performances
Adam Strong leads the company as Dr Frank-N-Furter and their boundless stage presence draws the audience’s attention in every scene. From their very first entrance in ‘Sweet Transvestite’ to the dramatic ending in ‘Super Heroes’, you can’t help but champion their commitment to the character. Additionally, Marlowe panto alumni Lauren Chia (Aladdin, 2023) also perfectly captures Janet’s over the top innocence and gives everything to the renowned choreography. The pair are joined by a company of energetic performers, who all thrive as the many characters of the house.
The most fun you will have at the theatre
I firmly believe that ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ grows in enjoyment factor the more times that you watch it and the current touring cast are absolutely fantastic. It’s not the most creative piece of theatre in terms of its visual design, and at times has a panto look and feel, but I firmly believe that it remains popular for a reason and should keep touring for years to come. It is a guaranteed evening of fun at the theatre! You can catch ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ in Canterbury until Saturday 12th July, with last minute tickets available via the venue’s website.
Thanks for reading my blog today.
Love Kat xxxx
*My ticket for ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
“Rocky Horror show is by far the best show I’ve seen! Incredible actors, an outstanding narrator, and an experience I’d gladly watch again and again. Truly unforgettable!”
We really enjoyed the Rocky Horror Show with Adam Strong being one of the best Frank’n’Furters we have seen. The whole cast did a great job and we went home buzzing. We went to the
5pm performance but missed the Uni
students who probably come to the later show (dressed up). Lots of cheers.
Unfortunately, the music was so loud you could not hear all the words of the songs.
People who had not seen the show before were commenting that they were a bit lost because of this. The people in the audience who dressed up , looked great.
WAS EEN FANTASTISCHE BELEVENIS SAMEN MET MIJN ZOON RONALD BEZOCHT .KOM VAAK IN CANTERBURY. GREAT PLACE TO VISIT ANYTIME.ZELF WOON IK IN ZIERIKZEE HOLLAND OOK EEN PRACHTIG MEDIVAL STADJE IN ZIERIKZEE LOTS OF LOVE AND GREETINGS TO ALL IF YOU