Theatre Review: The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Theatre Royal Brighton

Photography by David Freeman

Summary:

Rating: ★★★★★
Running Dates: Monday 14th April - Saturday 19th April 2025
Where to see it: Theatre Royal Brighton
Duration: 2 hr (incl. interval)
Keywords: Rock & Roll, Science Fiction, LGBTQ+

Review

The Rocky Horror Show is 2 hours of pure fun, ecstasy, and colourful madness

A sensually fantastical daydream that will have you up on your feet, dancing, within the first 10 minutes. That’s The Rocky Horror Show, in a nutshell. As a lifelong fan of the 1975 movie adaptation, I was long overdue to see the theatre production, and I am so glad to say that it did not disappoint.

Corsets, feathers, science, aliens, and Transvestite Transsexual Transilvanians, this show really does have it all. The Rocky Horror Show is 2 hours of pure fun, ecstasy, and colourful madness. It’s an over-the-top celebration of freedom, lust, and passion.

The plot follows Brad and Janet, a newly engaged couple, who stumble onto the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. He's a mad scientist, getting ready to uncover his latest creation. What follows is a lot of hip-swaying, butt-shaking, sexy fun. The Rocky Horror Show, which first premiered in 1973, has now become a cult classic that celebrates queerness and sexual liberation, having paved the way for representation of sexual fluidity and queerness in theatre (1).

The current production is outstanding, immersing the audience into this peculiar world from the very first note. The stage design is diverse and is able to evoke a myriad of feelings. We’ll be in a dark, scary castle one minute, and the next we are surrounded by neon lights, confetti, and glitter.

The cast is captivating to the extreme. Each character feels unique and special in their own way, enveloping us with their chaotic and contagious energy. Dr. Frank-N-Furter steals the limelight as soon as his heels hit the stage; he starts singing and the crowd goes crazy.

The whole performance is interactive and involves the audience. The Narrator often breaks the 4th wall and speaks to the spectators, who will shout jokes and comments back to the performers. Despite sitting quite far back, I felt I was on the stage myself.

The Rocky Horror Show cannot be compared to anything else. Not only because of the quality of the show, but because of the community that has been built around it. The atmosphere in the theatre was one of acceptance, support, and love in all forms. It is the show to watch in Brighton, as it champions the same values and beliefs that this city does.

Standout Moment: Dancing along to The Time Warp at the end of the show

See If: You want to have a hell of a good time!

Last Impressions: The Rocky Horror Show is simply one of a kind. An absolute staple of theatre that will have you sing at the top of your lungs.

You can find last minute tickets for the show on the ATG Website

Written by Roberta Guarini