Review: ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Dominion Theatre

Photo credit: Daniel Boud

Bustling with theatre goers donning corsets wigs and marigolds galore, the Dominion Theatre hosts the return of the truly wild Richard O Brien’s Rocky Horror Show!

If you’re looking for a realistic plot, then you’re in the wrong place, but let yourself be taken with the sci-fi flow and you’ll be rewarded with a raucous evening of chaos, humour and debauchery. With audience participation actively encouraged, the cries of “describe your balls” roaring around the theatre sets the tone for a totally immersive experience quite like no other. There is a pure joy to be found in doing the ‘Time Warp’ along with thousands of like-minded theatregoers.

In the well-known 50 year old tale, Brad and Janet’s car breaks down on a stormy night. Upon entering a dark castle for help, they are thrown into the world of the tranvestic scientist creating a beautiful Adonis for his own pleasure. Jason Donovan is delicious in the role of Frank N Furter, adopting a chaotic, yet aloof, air, strutting around the stage with panache. His first number ‘Sweet Transvestite’ is jaw droppingly good, with Donovan’s voice, stocking-ed legs and cheeky gestures to the audience stealing the show.

The ensemble cast are strong, led by Mawaan Rizwan, hilarious as narrator, expertly responding to the audience heckles, whilst guiding us through the zany tale of creation and sexual exploration. The full cast keep up the high energy throughout, with Jayme Lee Zononcelli as Columbia bringing a fizzing energy to all the group numbers.

So ahead of its time, Rocky Horror was lauded for breaking boundaries and removing barriers around sexuality. The cult classic continues to confront fixed gender ideology and encourages prioritising pleasure. It would be incredible to see the script updated to include further boundary pushing for the modern day, though that would - of course - be near impossible given the dedicated fan base knowing every word, song and call-back.

Whether you’re a super fan or popping your Rocky cherry, you’ll have an absolute scream at the Rocky Horror Show.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Cara Brazier

The Rocky Horror Show plays at the Dominion Theatre until 20 September, with tickets available here.