The Rocky Horror Show

Review by Martine Silkstone

Stockings, suspenders, leather and whips - not just a classic Monday evening in Suffolk, but also the opening night fun and frolics of the The Rocky Horror Show at Ipswich Regent theatre.

Having never seen the stage show before, and only short clips of the film, I was somewhat unprepared for the spectacle that unfolded before me. Indeed, I started the interval thinking: well, that just happened! For this show is unique in its rocking, raunchy glory and you have surrender to the madness then simply enjoy the ride.

And what a ride! 50 years after the musical’s first performance, it is as entertaining as ever.

Full of wonderful weirdness, Rocky Horror is Richard O’Brien’s humorous tribute to the B movies of last century and it tells the story of squeaky clean college kids, Brad and Janet. Seeking help after their car breaks down, the innocents find themselves in a creepy castle at the mercy of the ‘sweet transvestite’ Dr Frank’n’Furter and his warped minions. What follows is a wild adventure that sees them journey from fear to sexual awakening with a little help from the Time Warp and some small, leather pants.

The whole cast were outstanding and having a great time - which is always contagious - but it was narrator, Jackie Clunes, who held it all together. Audience participation is a tradition of the show and Ipswich did itself proud with some clever heckles, but they were easily batted back with her quick, dry wit.

Along the way there was also occasional dancing and who doesn’t love a good pelvic thrust? Throw in a wealth of Suffolk fans in corsets and fishnets, and before the second act began I was all in.

Hilarious, outrageous and completely bonkers - loved it!

The 50th Anniversary Tour of The Rocky Horror Show is at Ipswich Regent until 7th October 2023.

NB: Did you know that the very first performance of The Rocky Horror Show took place in 1973 just after a massive thunderstorm, and there was a storm on opening night at Ipswich Regent - coincidence? Well, yes, probably, but interesting nonetheless.