Review – The Rocky Horror Picture Show – 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour – Dominion Theatre, London

It’s not very often you come out of the underground station by the Dominion Theatre, on a Sunday afternoon, to be greeted by crowds of people dressed in corsets, lab coats, glittery hot pants and maids’ outfits. It could only mean one thing – Rocky Horror is in town, and the audience have gone all out to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a film which has become a cult classic.

For those who have paid extra, the chance to meet icons from the film – Patricia Quinn (Magenta), Nell Campbell (Colombia), Barry Bostwick (Brad) and, for one night only, Peter Hinwood (Rocky) is an added bonus. But, even if you didn’t, when the evening begins with a Q&A session, led by Larry Viezel, president of the official ‘Rocky Horror’ fan club, you still get to be in the same auditorium as them. It is fascinating to find out some of the stories about how they were cast, and their favourite moments, although it does feel like the questions have been pre-rehearsed, despite the audience being invited to submit questions on arrival.

Once the Q&A, and costume competition, have finished it is time for the main event, a 4K screening of the ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ starring the cast members we’d met, and icons including creator Richard O’Brien (Riff Raff), Meatloaf (Eddie), Susan Saradon (Janet) and of course the magnificent Tim Curry as Frank-N-Furter. But along with the screening we are also treated to a shadow cast from the fan club, acting out the film as it goes along.

For the few Rocky Horror ‘Virgins’ in the room this is already shaping up to be a ‘night they would never forget’ as everyone is armed with their props bags and you can feel the excitement in the air!

If you are after a quiet evening watching the film, this is not it! The audience participation is constant, both with iconic original heckling plus some more up to date callouts, and use of the props including newspaper, glow sticks and party hats. Everyone is up and dancing to the Time Warp, including 72-year-old Little Nell in her Colombia costume, performing her legendary tap dance routine! And of course there is much shouting, screaming and cheering for many of the now iconic moments, including Tim Curry/Frank-N-Furters first appearance on screen.

The shadow cast must be commended for their excellent job recreating the show below the big screen. They are on-stage, they are in the audience, they are having a lot of fun. Some, such as the person playing Frank-N-Furter in the second half, are also truly relishing the chance to perform on a West End stage, and their characterisation of such a recognised character is amazing!

As someone who has been a fan of Rocky Horror for more years than I can mention, this is a very special evening, and I am so happy to be a part of it all. In particular, getting to meet, and chat with, my idol Patricia Quinn (Magenta) and show her my ‘Don’t Dream It Be It’ tattoo, which has been my mantra for many years, is truly special.

If you are a fan this is a must go to event and, if you are a Rocky Horror virgin, there is no better way to join the legions of ‘wild untamed things’ and ‘give yourself over to absolute pleasure!’

The Rocky Horror Picture Show – 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour continues into May. Tickets from https://www.scottstander.com/rocky