All kinds of outrageous, it’s ASTOUNDING…
I’ve been going to see Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show for as long as I can remember—that’s many, many years—and it has never disappointed. The 2024/2025 UK tour is a testament to the fact that it is ASTOUNDING still to this day. Ahead of its time when it first opened in 1973, it has since become one of the most classic and iconic musical theatre productions ever. With over 35 million theatregoers worldwide, it is still as relevant and popular as ever, continuing to draw fans to theatres across the UK and beyond.
How on planet earth do we begin to describe this show? It’s definitely unearthly, weird, all kinds of outrageous and strange, but that’s the attraction. A multiple mix of genres—horror, musical, comedy, science fiction, drama, spoof, and rock ‘n’ roll, to mention but a few—there’s literally nothing like it. Breaking convention and ideals, The Rocky Horror Show beats down barriers and norms and delivers consistently.
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The Rocky Horror Show has a unique audience, from the ardently devoted fans to the ‘virgins’ and the curious. Many are bedecked in costumes pertinent to the characters and themes, creating a gloriously immersive experience. Then there’s the audience participation. The show relies cleverly on the callbacks for added comedy, the interaction bringing much mirth to the event as rehearsed lines are shouted out and the return shots fired back with wit and precision.
For this to happen, you need a great Narrator, and Nathan Caton fitted the bill precisely! A sharp ear and a smart mouth, his wit and quips were acute, on point, and really rather naughty, and the audience lapped it up. He served up the sauce with absolute relish as he took us on a strange journey…
Lauren Chia (Janet), Connor Carson (Brad), Job Greuter (Riff Raff). [Photo Credit – David Freeman]
Drawing back the curtain to open the show was the amazing Natasha Hoeberigs playing both Usherette and Magenta. Her vocals were crystal clear and so beautiful—she set the tone for the show from the get-go.
The story begins…
Brad (Connor Carson) and Janet (Lauren Chia), two squeaky-clean college kids, recently engaged and seemingly oh-so-innocent, find themselves stranded after breaking down near a mysterious mansion to which they go to seek shelter and help. Naively, they enter the creepy castle, and things will never be the same again.
13. Natasha Hoeberigs (Usherette). [Photo Credit – David Freeman]
Riff Raff (Job Greuter) ‘welcomes’ the unsuspecting pair to much adoration and cheers from the audience. His theatrics and performance were both hilarious and ominous, and again, another excellent vocalist.
Magenta (Natasha Hoeberigs), as mentioned, was exactly who you wanted her to be. Sarcastic, sardonic yet sultry and suitably sexy, she owned her role exquisitely.
Columbia was played by Stacey Monahan last night as stand-in for Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli, but wow, she was superb. A tap-dancing sensation whose heart is repeatedly broken, the audience adored her as she sang and danced her way through the show magnificently.
Enter The Master, the great Frank N Furter himself. We whooped him onto the stage, and he certainly had us all shivering with antici…. …. ….pation. Adam Strong belted out the big numbers effortlessly. Having recently taken over the lead role, Adam is born for this. Charismatic, cruel, sexy, and selfish, every step was perfect, every note superb. He never missed a beat, and even as scenes happened around him, our eyes were drawn to him stealing the show. We go through every emotion for him—fascination, disgust, loving and loathing, adoration, and ultimately, great sorrow. Every time he opens his mouth, we are transfixed, and the singing was just WOW. His voice is second to none, vibrating through the theatre right into your very soul, owning us all. #swoon unapologetically.
Rocky (Morgan Jackson), Eddie & Dr. Scott (Edward Bullingham) were equally excellent in their roles—no limelight was lost on anybody, including the fantastic phantoms. Moving and breathing as one, their eerie presence was subtle but sure. The cast, in all, was phenomenal; all stood out in their own right and thoroughly deserved the rapturous standing ovation they received. The rambunctious routines were wild throughout, the energy fizzed constantly, and the performances sizzled.
Musically, this show is sheer perfection. Timeless, catchy, and addictive, you will be shimmying in your seat throughout and bopping back to the car without a doubt. Iconic songs like “Sweet Transvestite,” “The Time Warp,” and “Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me” continue to thrill audiences.
The Rocky Horror Show Tour
Staging and production were precise, timely, and flawless. Lighting intensified the scenes artistically and harmoniously. The sound was also just splendid—nothing was lost nor overdone, and from start to finish, everything was tone-perfect.
Despite the passing of over 50 years, The Rocky Horror Show and the cult following it has created have not been lost in time, space, or meaning. It totally deserves its legendary status, delighting audiences worldwide every time. It’s shocking, it’s relevant, it’s masterful, and it is, without doubt, ASTOUNDING.
Time IS fleeting, so make sure to book tickets today, as it’s only in town until the 15th of February. We may just have booked to go again on Valentine’s Day and quite simply cannot wait to take a jump to the left and a step to the right and do The Time Warp Again.
For those searching for “Rocky Horror Show UK tour 2024 tickets,” “Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show review,” “Rocky Horror live performance,” or “best musicals to see in 2024,” this is the show you don’t want to miss!
This performance is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 15th February 2025. Tickets are available from £15 (+ £3.95 transaction fee), General bookings: 0844 871 7615, Access bookings:0333 009 5399, Group bookings:0207 206 1174 or online.
Reviewed by:
I’m a proud MK resident of over 46 years watching it grow from a new town to a bustling business, social and cultural city.
I work in the NHS and enjoy an eclectic social life exploring everything Milton Keynes has in the diary.
