The Stage

Rocky Horror Show

Published Wednesday 12 July 2006 at 11:40 by Paul Vale

The cult classic has once again made it to the West End as Brad and Janet fall foul of aliens from the planet Transexual. Much has been done to re-create the musical’s original appeal and with many welcome innovations from designer Janet Bird and some tight choreography from Jenny Arnold this production is a visual treat without being a slavish copying of the 1974 movie. The audience participation is respected but only the hilarious Steve Pemberton as the wily Narrator acknowledges this added commentary, allowing the story to crack on at a pace.

The rest of the cast are a sharp bunch with Suzanne Shaw as a delectably wide-eyed Janet and Matthew Cole in fine voice as the hero Brad. Shona White as the Usherette opens the show with her Science Fiction/Double Feature and then oozes seductive glamour as the maid Magenta. Iain Davey makes a wonderful Riff Raff with a strong rock voice, soaring range and a line in paranoia that brings the house down. Julian Essex-Spurrier, clad only in a pair of plastic leopard skin trunks, not only makes for a particularly beautiful Rocky, he also proves himself a fine singer and agile athlete.

Leading this strong ensemble cast is David Bedella as the gloriously wicked Dr. Frank ‘n’ Furter. With a deep, raunchy rock ‘n’ roll belt, Bedella imbibes new life into the character and his evident enjoyment of the role lights up the stage, from his sassy Sweet Transvestite entrance in a swirl of velvet and fishnets to his final, poignant demise at the hands of his mutinous crew.