A night of unforgettable spectacle, outrageous fun, and unapologetic camp awaits revellers at Darlington Hippodrome as cult classic The Rocky Horror Show hit the stage this week.
With Richard O’Brien’s legendary show rocking its way across the UK, this iconic cult musical continues to capture hearts and shock the senses, and I jumped (to the left) at the chance to go see the stage production when it returned to the town.
The atmosphere was electric. The foyer was flooded with Magentas, Janets and Frank N Furters, colourful feather boas and more make up than the dressing room on Ru Paul’s Drag Race. The air was filled with antici…pation as the audience prepared to embrace every strange twist and turn on offer.
The 'plot' centres on straight laced Brad Majors and his girlfriend Janet Weiss, who break down on their way back from a wedding and happen across the gothic mansion of Frank N Furter, where they seek assistance. I won’t say what happens next, but I will say, they have no idea what is in store for them.
Since buying the DVD with my paper round money when I was 15, Tim Curry’s performance cemented its place in my heart. I watched that movie until the DVD didn’t work anymore and now, 17 years on, I find myself randomly singing the soundtrack.
From the moment the house lights dimmed, it was clear that the show was set to be a rollicking, interactive experience that would leave audiences buzzing for days to come.
Smoke filled the Hippodrome as Natasha Hoeebrigs belted out the opening number, and the audience was transported to an ‘old-timey’ picture house. Whoops and cheers filled the theatre.
For those who aren’t aware, audience participation is very much encouraged, and if you’re expecting to go see a show filled with theatre etiquette and a silent audience, you’ll be disappointed. Singing along is encouraged, and veteran viewers of the show heckle in all the right places, adding to the hilarity, dirtiness and interactiveness of the show.
The playful back-and-forth between the narrator and audience was a highlight, with the crowd shouting iconic lines and engaging in cheeky banter throughout the performance. My friend and I found ourselves losing composure several times during the performance.
Adam Strong’s performance of Frank N. Furter was a standout—charismatic, outrageous, and dripping with just the right amount of self-indulgence. Having only ever watched the movie adaptation, my bar was high, and Strong nailed it.
Brad and Janet had great chemistry and managed to walk the fine line between innocence and evolving liberation with aplomb. Lauren Chia was the perfect embodiment of Janet. Connor Carson, the productions usual Brad was unwell on Monday evening, but understudy Alex Hetherington stepped into the shoes of Brad with flawless ‘dorky’ precision.
The cast brought the show's quirky characters to life with skill, particularly Riff Raff and Magenta, who were both captivating in their delivery and bizarre charm.
Musically, the show was a blast. The band was on top form, delivering all the rock 'n' roll hits with style and energy, while the choreography brought a sense of rhythm and rebellion to every scene. The “Time Warp” was, of course, a crowd favourite, and it was impossible not to get caught up in the infectious excitement of the audience jumping, singing, and dancing along.
The Hippodrome’s intimate atmosphere added a personal touch to the experience, with audience members shouting at the actors and indulging in the joyful chaos that defines this show. It was hard not to get swept up in the collective love for all things bizarre and eccentric as the show hurtled toward its climactic, out-of-this-world finale.
The performance was a wild, unapologetically fun experience that embraced everything its fans adore about it. The energy, the interaction, and the over-the-top performances made it a memorable night at the theatre.
Whether you're a die-hard fan of the show or a newcomer to the madness, this production promises a night of absolute entertainment that will leave you wanting more.
The Rocky Horror Show plays Darlington Hippodrome from Monday, March 31 to Saturday, April 5 2025. Tickets can be purchased via darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or by calling the box office on 01325 405405.
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