The Rocky Horror Show: Don't Dream It, See It!

A cult classic since its stage debut in 1973, Richard O’Brien’s rock ‘n’ roll musical follows squeaky-clean sweethearts Brad and Janet, whose car trouble leads them to the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a self-proclaimed ‘Sweet Transvestite’ with a flair for the dramatic and a penchant for creating life itself. What follows is an outrageous blend of sci-fi parody, campy humour, and infectious musical numbers, all wrapped up in a riotous celebration of self-expression and excess.

With a devoted fanbase known for shouting cheeky callbacks, the pressure is always on for a cast to keep up the pace while delivering both theatricality and spontaneity – and this production certainly didn’t disappoint. Job Greuter’s Riff Raff set the tone from the outset with impeccable characterisation, his eerie presence and commanding vocals ensuring that every scene he was in crackled with energy. Meanwhile, Adam Strong as Frank-N-Furter was nothing short of sensational. His vocal power was jaw-dropping – a perfect fit for the role – but beyond that, he embodied Frank with a delicious blend of charisma, seduction, and menace. Every number he performed felt like an event in itself, leaving the audience captivated.

The Narrator was another standout, handling the audience’s notorious heckles with razor-sharp wit and quick improvisation, bringing a modern and fresh approach to the role. His comic timing was impeccable, making him a vital anchor for the show’s chaotic energy. Lauren Chia (Janet) and Connor Carson (Brad) played the naive couple with great chemistry, navigating their bizarre journey with the right mix of innocence and growing abandon. Natasha Hoeberigs (Magenta/Usherette) and Stacey Monahan (Columbia, u/s) brought their own unique takes to the roles, with Monahan delivering an energetic and engaging performance as the high-pitched and playful Columbia. Morgan Jackson as Rocky looked every bit the part, and Edward Bullingham (Eddie/Dr. Scott) embraced the madness with gusto in his dual roles.

With its iconic soundtrack, outrageous characters, and electric atmosphere, The Rocky Horror Show thrives on audience participation, and this cast clearly understood the assignment. Whether it was the powerhouse vocals, off-the-cuff comedic moments, or sheer commitment to the show’s unique brand of campy excess, this production was an absolute treat for both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. So, if you’re ready to don your corset, throw some callbacks, and do the Time Warp (again), The Rocky Horror Show at Milton Keynes Theatre is the perfect night out.