Rocky Horror Show, The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham - review with pictures
The Rocky Horror Show is the most outrageous, extravagant, absolutely ridiculous musical I’ve ever had the delight of watching at The Alexandra in Birmingham.
I’d never been to see Rocky Horror Show before - and I can't believe I waited so long to see something so fantastic.
One of the world's most popular musicals (and I can see why now) this show is energetic, loud and, let's face it, pretty sexy.
It's touring the UK until this November – and is in Birmingham for the next two weeks – so still plenty of time to pick up tickets.
After almost 120 minutes of raunchy jokes, fabulous songs, and sky-high heels, I came out of the theatre just beaming, laughing and telling anyone who'd listen how much I'd loved the show.
I’m not exaggerating. A real highlight was dancing enthusiastically at the end to the famous Time Warp song, along with the entirety of the audience.
Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show - described as the world’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll musical - tells the story of squeaky clean college kids Brad and his fiancée Janet who meet the extravagant Dr Frank’n’Furter when their car breaks down outside his castle.
They quickly embark on an adventure they’re not going to forget in a hurry, packed with tight-fitting corsets, the highest of heels, and the most fabulous songs.
The extravagant musical stars Blue singer and Hollyoaks actor Duncan James as Frank - who absolutely stole the show with his incredible display as a ‘sweet transvestite’ - while Strictly Come Dancing professional Joanne Clifton was an excellent Janet and A1’s Ben Adams a hilarious Brad.
Starring in the iconic role of The Narrator was Birmingham’s very own Alison Hammond - who had the audience in stitches after pretending to mess up her lines, and calling everyone ‘bab’.
The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation meaning, of course, getting dressed in the most outrageous fancy dress.
Getting to The Alexandra early to watch everyone arrive in their costumes was almost as exciting as watching the show – huge, burly men with beards in tiny pink corsets with heels that pushed them almost up to seven feet tall; women with towering, curly wigs and fishnet tights; and even one or two bespectacled Brads and cardigan-clad Janets.
I eagerly posed with one dedicated member of theatre staff, who was kitted out just like the flamboyant Dr Frank'n'Furter in a black cape, high heels, with bright blue eye-shadow and sparkling red lips.
Fancy a night of fun and frolics? I'd highly recommend Rocky Horror Show. Runs until Saturday, May 25.
