The Rocky Horror Show: Sunderland Empire

HAVING burst on the scene 43 years ago, and attracted three generations of dedicated aficionados, it's understandable why this was such a hit back in 1973. Like glam rock it was colourful and sexy in a dark world, but the subject matter of transvestism, repressed sexuality and faux-rock 'n' roll songs now seem, well, dated.

Like a B-movie horror film, a "normal" engaged couple Janet (Haley Flaherty) and Brad (Richard Meek) get lost in their car. They find refuge in the castle of transvestite Dr Frank-N-Furter (Liam Tamne) and his weirdo mates. Frank-N-Furter has created a muscular young man named Rocky (Dominic Andersen), who is fearful of his creator's sexual advances. However, Brad and Janet are pulled into the doctor’s world of song, dance and sex.

There are only so many times you see someone on stage wearing tight underwear and corsets thrusting their hips or spreading their legs before you're hoping things move on. Having seen it in 1977, 1993 and now 2016, I wonder if this has become more about the audience than the show itself. The first time was about watching a half-decent, different musical that had its moments of comedy. These days people think they are actually in the show by shouting out remarks at the narrator (Philip Franks) or an actor speaks. Like a heckler at a comedy club it rapidly becomes annoying. It definitely felt like gate crashing a private party.

Despite the audience, as one, dancing to the show-stopping Time Warp, this was a comparatively quiet night. I can imagine a wilder scene at weekends.

* Runs until Saturday, November 12. Box Office: 0844 871 3022 or ATGtickets.com/Sunderland

Ed Waugh