IT’S good to see Richard O’Brien’s masterpiece do another national tour – there’s a new generation to be brought under its spell, and if you haven’t already seen it, do it now.
So, would Darlington’s theatregoers make the effort and dress up to enter into the spirit of the thing? You bet!
It was a chilly evening for standing around outside in just tiny pants, fishnet stockings and suspenders, and sexy lace-up basques, but plenty of blokes didn’t seem to mind.
Lots of their girlfriends were dressed up, as well.
Extraordinary how many outwardly respectable folk keep a gold lame tailcoat in their wardrobe. Plenty of dramatic make-up, as demonstrated by the indelible red smacker planted on my cheek by big Dave, having just freshened up his lipstick.
Although there’s a ban on water-pistols, rice, toast and Kit Kats you’re allowed to take in your own torch, but the audience knows the show so well that they really don’t need props.
From a terrific cast I have to mention David Bedella, the best Frank N Furter I’ve seen since Tim Curry. With his deep brown voice and sexy smile, Bedella owns the stage and the audience too.
Not for the straight-laced, it’s loud, funny and extremely rude. O’Brien’s haunting rock/pop harmonies are still fresh and intoxicating; I’ve fallen in love with it all over again and the poignant refrain of Don’t dream it, be it ran round and round my head as I made my way home, the feathers from countless feather boas blowing around my feet.
■ Until Saturday. Box office 01325-486555
Sue Heath
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