Review of The Rocky Horror Show at Milton Keynes Theatre

Richard O’Brien’s anarchic, surreal, and often incomprehensible musical, The Rocky Horror Show, has captivated audiences for over fifty years now. With this new tour, it feels as fresh and unpredictable as if it had just emerged from O’Brien's vivid imagination yesterday. While another review might seem unnecessary given the countless dressed-up fans who fill every theatre it visits, let’s go ahead and write one anyway.

The Rocky Horror Show follows the adventures of Brad and Janet, a newly engaged couple. On a dark and stormy November evening, they run into car trouble and seek refuge at a mysterious castle reminiscent of Frankenstein’s. There, they encounter the eccentric handyman Riff-Raff, the outrageous scientist Dr. Frank N. Furter, and a host of other bizarre characters. What unfolds is a science fiction B-movie narrative that is at times coherent and at other times bewildering — yet somehow, that doesn’t seem to matter.

I first saw The Rocky Horror Show in 2019 and experienced its wackiness once again in 2022. My initial encounter was a baptism by fire, as I was thrown into its crude humour, bizarre story, and surprisingly high level of audience participation. However, by the second viewing, it felt more like welcoming a beloved, eccentric uncle to dinner. Now, three years later, I’m left wondering: is that crazy uncle still as welcome? Well, on the experience of this new production and, more importantly, cast, that crazy uncle is most certainly welcome, even if he may spurt some incomprehensible sentences during dinner.

Perhaps the most significant success of this new version is that the cast is so fresh, formed from a group of quality stage performers, with no showy star name anywhere on the roster. The key role of The Narrator is held by one of the biggest names in the cast, Nathan Caton, and with all due respect to Mr Caton, I had not heard of him. However, he is superb, with the perfect balance of confident narration and sharp takedown of the inevitable heckles, be they familiar, new or very bad taste (there is always one); he has the confidence to bat them off with a smooth reply. He particularly delighted in a barrage of jocular moments aimed at his manhood.

Connor Carson and Lauren Chia are an absolute delight in their roles of Brad and Janet, respectively, milking the comedy of the characters for all their worth. They are both delightful singers as well, capturing both the comic songs and emotional numbers perfectly.

For many years the role of Riff Raff has been filled by a Rocky legend, Kristian Lavercombe, who became as famous in the role perhaps as Richard O'Brien himself, so any new Riff Raff on the tour will always be a talking point. In Job Greuter, they have found an excellent performer to take the role onwards. With his gangly legs and a surprisingly beautiful singing voice performance from his first appearance during Over at the Frankenstein Place, Greuter fills the role brilliantly.

The role of Rocky is always vital to the show, as is finding the perfect balance between looks, gymnastic skills, and singing voice. They have found a perfect little gem in Morgan Jackson. While he is diminutive in height, he is every bit a modern creation. In fact, there are some brilliant little nods during the show to his height, which add humour. Elsewhere, excellent support comes from Natasha Hoeberigs as Magenta and, on as cover for the performance, an excellent Stacey Monahan as Columbia.

Finally, we have Adam Strong, who is brand new in the role of the legendary Frank N Furter this month. He makes his mark in height and powerful vocals. He is obviously settling into the role, but as a strong performer of many touring shows, he is sure to make this one his own.

Music from the band led by Josh Sood fills the theatre with clear sound, and vocals from this production are clear. Nick Richings's lighting brings a suitably psychedelic show to proceedings, feeling both the stage and the theatre with lights of wonder. Elsewhere, there is a superb collection of numbers choreographed by Nathan M Wright and performed with superb energy by the cast, with the obvious Time Warp being the highlight, with all characters bringing their own little moments to the piece.

The Rocky Horror Show is a full-star show, full of energy, cracking songs, brilliant stage work, however, it will perhaps never be for everyone. It is such a cult now that it lives on that cult's memories, and after three viewings, I have probably become one. Will you, though? Who knows? However you deserve one trip over to that Frankenstein Place at some point to see it you are actually a wild and an untamed thing. Don't dream it, see it!

Rocky Horror continues to thrill in this cracking new version with a top-notch cast.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Performance reviewed: Monday, 10th February 2025, at the Milton Keynes Theatre.

The Rocky Horror Show is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday, 15th February 2025.

For further details about Milton Keynes, see their website at http://www.atgtickets.com/venues/milton-keynes-theatre/

Production photos: David Freeman