Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show was reviewed at the Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury, where it continues until 30 May 2026. The tour continues until 1 August 2026.
Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩
Fishnets and suspenders, tight black basques and vivid eyeliner, check. That’s the audience sorted; at the Waterside to witness Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show. Ready to reminisce with the spooky ghouls and risqué rock routines.
This exhilaratingly frisky classic draws a loyal, appropriately dressed following, as well as some curious newcomers, more than 50 years since its London debut. Christopher Luscombe’s production also marks 50 years since the film of the same name first hit the silver screen. In fact, set designer Hugh Durrant cleverly notes this with a giant cinematic film reel circling above the performers.
The sets are a huge part of this show and Durrant zones in on key pieces like Janet and Brad’s car and the giant bed – more of which later – leaving the bigger picture to memory and/or imagination. Costume designer Sue Blane impresses with a colourful and vivid wardrobe where the 1950s candy-coloured preppy style of teens Janet and Brad moves to haunted house and sci-fi.
If you’ve never seen the show or watched the movie (and frankly, even if you have) the plot is best described as madcap, with the second half going from crazy to crazier.
Strait-laced Brad (James Bisp) and his fiancée Janet (the excellent Haley Flaherty) are two love-tangled squeaky clean college kids whose car breaks down on the way home from the movies. They find their love put to the test in unimaginable ways when they stumble into the abode of the mesmerising Frank ‘n’ Furter.
A commanding performance by Stephen Webb as the outrageously gorgeous alien doctor sets a high bar, and his delightfully camp and adorably enthusiastic performance is infectious – clearly relishing the role in his suspenders, heels and tights.
Not for the faint-hearted and certainly adult entertainment, The Rocky Horror Show broke new ground at its outset, blending catchy, singalong belters – like ‘Sweet Transvestite’ – with unforgettable and hilarious camp charisma. This fresh production, with a new cast on a worldwide tour, is testament to its durability, even though some elements feel a little dated today (the bed scene being one rather icky moment which I don’t think travels so well in today’s times).
But those belters, including the pelvic thrusting, showstopping ‘Time Warp’ still get the crowd going, even though on this occasion I found the poignant rendition of ‘Don’t Dream It, Be It’ cut through too, with credit to the ensemble, especially Daisy Steere as Columbia. ‘Science Fiction/Double Feature’, delivered by the excellent Laura Bird, showcases her prowess as she doubles up to also play the sultry sorceress Magenta.
Narrator Jackie Clune is to be applauded for keeping a tight rein on the proceedings, with the air of a quick-witted headteacher. Her banter with the hecklers is all part of the show, though the latter can be near the knuckle at times. Meanwhile the main action gives a lasting impression of fun, party and frivolity, with plenty of good old bum twirling, including the appropriately ‘phwoar’ favourite Rocky (played on this occasion by talented newcomer Jesse Chidera).
While the in-jokes about old B-movies and horror films of the past may be lost on today’s newer audiences, the bold, brash naughtiness prevails and anthems like ‘Don’t Dream It, Be It’ are every bit as memorable as the rather cheesy wedding dance floor standard ‘Time Warp’.
This new take on a trail-blazing show welcomes audiences back with a blast and encourages a fresh peek.
Christine Drabwell
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