ROCKY HORROR SHOW (UK Tour) Review October 2013

It's astounding..... time is fleeting..... madness takes it's toll.... but listen closely, not for very much longer does the tour continue! The Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton celebrates the final week of the 40th Anniversary production of Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show and with halloween just around the corner, there's no better time. 

Innocent couple Brad and Janet suffer a flat tyre and seek refuge in the home of Frank-N-Furter - a transvestite of transexual Transylvania. Things go from insane to... well... more insane.

Dani Harmer and Ben Forster

ITV Superstar winner Ben Forster rejoins the cast after a second arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar and is perfectly preppy as Brad Majors. A particular highlight for Ben is 'Once In A While', a song that is a more subtle and tender moment, but a time to showcase his real talent aside from the craziness. Tracy Beaker actress Dani Harmer is a far cry from her Dumping Ground days as the innocent Janet Weiss - she proves to be a versatile performer.

Kristian Lavercombe

Kristian Lavercombe is an excellent Riff Raff. The role made famous by the show's creator Richard O'Brien is a tough one to crack. Having already played the role on an international tour, Kristian is due to appear in the 2014 Australian tour and it's easy to see why he's a favourite. Shrieking his way through with killer vocals, his Time Warp is guaranteed to have you on your feet - an essential member of any production. Ceris Hine returns as Columbia having previously played the role in 2010. Bursting with energy and her tiny frame and squeaky voice make her a cutesy and loveable tap dancing delight. Jade Westaby is a strong Magenta/Usherette. Henry Davis is Rocky, the hunky creation of Dr Frank-N-Furter. His characterisation is perhaps the most suitable I've seen and earns audience sympathy over some of the more 'dumb' previous interpretations, but I guess many don't even look past his bulging leopard-print speedos.

Oliver Thornton

I think whatever show he's in, Oliver Thornton manages to steal it - simply one of the best around. Hot in the heels of many a famous Franks, Oliver surely puts his stamp on the iconic role. A born entertainer, his theatrical highlight of the night has to be The Floorshow and 'Don't Dream It', again a more subtle part of the show but it's in those moments when the message truly comes across. What we get here is a fully-rounded Frank, not just a camp, stocking-clad sex maniac but a somewhat believable character.

Philip Franks is the perfect narrator. Not only because of his willing self-deprecation but for witty one-liners and quick come-backs to some of the more obscure audience heckles. The Phantom chorus provide eerie harmonies throughout, it is a shame they're not a bigger part of the story, they're used often to change scenery.

The set and lighting has been re-designed for this tour and impressively brings the 40 year old musical right up to date in a production that feels incredibly relevant whilst very much keeping the feel of a horror B-Movie.

For a Monday night, Wolverhampton has possibly never been so full of energy. This is one hell of a party - Fishnets, frivolity and fiercely fun! Don't dream it, see it!

Book for the FINAL week of this 40th Anniversary extravaganza at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre here. There is an official after party at Blast Off, open til 3am after the final show on Saturday 2nd November 2013 (more info here).

Cast List: Oliver Thornton, Ben Forster, Dani Harmer, Philip Franks, Henry Davis, Ceris Hine, Kristian Lavercombe, Richard Meek, Jayde Westaby, Maria Coyne, Christos Dante, David Gale, Rachel Grundy, Andrew Ahern.

Watch the 2013 cast doing the Time Warp!

Review | ROCKY HORROR SHOW (40th Anniversary UK Tour) February 2013

As an out-of-work actor Richard O'Brien, the lunatic from the Crystal Maze wrote the Rocky Horror Show to keep himself busy on winter evenings. The musical first appeared at the Royal Court Theatre in 1973 and is now in it's 40th year. This year the Rocky Horror Show is back with an all new anniversary party production. 

At any other show you'd be turned away at the door for baring your backside and heckling obscenities but anything goes here and the die-hard fans definitely went all out for the show's Ruby anniversary... there were some sights! The casting director it seems also went all out with an all-star cast who were definitely picked on talent despite their status. 

Roxanne Pallett and Ben Forster

On entering the theatre you find yourself in a derelict movie theater, an usherette introduces tonight's Science Fiction Double Feature. We follow Brad Majors and Janet Weiss as their car suffers a blow-out and they seek refuge in a nearby house, the home of Dr Frank-N-Furter - a pansexual transvestite scientist. 

Leading the show as the newly engaged Brad and Janet are ITV's winner of Jesus Christ Superstar Ben Forster and Roxanne Pallett (Emmerdale). Both embody the sweet and vulnerable college kids with such charm and deliver powerhouse vocals that bring the audience into concert-worthy applause on many occasions. 

Abigail Jaye, Kristian Lavercombe and Ceris Hine

In the role originated by Richard O'Brien himself, I imagine it's very difficult to find a Riff Raff quite up to the job - Kristian Lavercombe is one of the show's many assets and brings everything that Mr O'Brien ever did and then goes one more - giving an outstanding performance and has everyone on their feet for the Time Warp. 

Abigail Jaye and Ceris Hine complete the house servants as Magenta and Columbia. Abigail impresses with a strong vocal and can most certainly belt and her rendition of Science Fiction/Double Feature made sure everyone was enthused for a fun night. The sparkling little jewel of the production is clearly Ceris Hine. Returning to the production after winning everyone's hearts on the 2009/10 tour the pint-sized, tap dancing ball of energy makes sure all eyes on her as she hit the high notes and wings and buffalos her way around the stage. 

 Oliver Thornton

In what has already been billed as the sexiest production of the show to date, producers turn up the heat with West End star Oliver Thornton who dons the iconic stockings and suspenders as Dr Frank-N-Furter. Strutting comfortably, after three years as Felicia in the London production of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert Oliver is no stranger to being so scantily clad. Completely embracing the role Oliver Thornton injects glamour and style into his playful portrayal of the maniacal Transylvanian. Oliver writes one of the UK's leading lifestyle blogs Design For Living. 

Designed for much more than living, Rocky is Frank-N-Furter's latest creation, a blonde haired, ridiculously tanned hunk who for the 40th anniversary is X Factor's Rhydian Roberts. 

 Oliver Thornton and Rhydian

Still with his signature operatic style Rhydian powers his way through the show delighting the audience, receiving screams, wolf whistles and inappropriate heckles aplenty.  There are many opportunities to shout out during the show, most of which are well known and the cast can expect... others are more individual and perhaps less appropriate. If you're planning a night out and intend on participating you may wish to follow the full script of heckles. Tediously making his way through his interrupted lines is Philip Franks and the Narrator who restores order with witty comments in retaliation. Joel Montague's character is set up to receive similar audience participation. 

 Sweet Transvestite

The Phantom ensemble are made up of Maria Coyne, Christos Dante, David Gayle and Rachel Grundy with Andrew Ahern as Dance Captain. All of whom are energetic and on top form, providing eerie harmonies as they lurch around the stage. 

With an exciting new set designed by Hugh Durrant this year's Rocky Horror show is the best you'll possibly see it. The show continues to tour throughout 2013 and further dates are still to be announced. Book tickets here. 

Official Promotional Trailer 2013:

THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE (UK Tour) Review September 2012

Walking into the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre was very different last night. There was a particular buzz in the air, excitement. Jim Cartwright's 1992 play The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice was about to make it's Wolverhampton debut. Mr Boo (Duggie Brown) was on hand in the foyer to greet the audience and usher them to their seats. The theatre had been transformed into a working mens club and as a pre-show we were treated to a tap routine from Ceris Hine and a female George Formby act by Lisa Howard as Dolly on the ukulele.

The pre-show seamlessly fuses into the play where we meet Mari Hoff (Beverley Callard), a loud northern housewife who is all "lacquer and liquor". After years of playing Liz McDonald in Coronation Street, Beverley Callard is back on stage and it is where she truly shines. She is an absolute joy to watch. Mari's daughter Little Voice, or 'LV' (Jess Robinson) couldn't be more opposite in character to her mother. She is a quiet, reserved young girl who spends most of her time alone in her bedroom listening to her records. The play belongs to these two characters, both are given so much to work with. When we first hear Little Voice begin to sing it's magical, the audience love her - as does Billy (Ray Quinn) who tirelessly and very charmingly tries to win the heart of LV, not always discreetly.

The supporting cast is made up of Joe McGann as Ray Say and Sally Plumb as Sadie. Ray's intentions soon become apparent in a dark twist that Joe McGann manages to switch upon Mari. The argument scene between Ray and LV is possibly the highlight of the show in which all of LV's comebacks are snippets from songs. Sadie provides much of the physical humour in the play and her presence on stage is heartwarming. Sally Plumb lends a sweet, innocence to the character, almost child-like at times and she is very endearing to watch. 

The set by Morgan Large is incredible. A two story house on stage with clever walls that become transparent to suggest a change in location, or to create some of the special effects in the climax to the show. Every element of this show gels together perfectly to create the most wonderful piece of theatre. This really is the highlight of the theatrical year so far. I cannot think of anything to say against this production. It is quite rare to see an audience on their feet giving a full standing ovation after a play - but this feels so much more than just that. It had the warm feeling of a musical, which at times it could well be and the dark twists of only the best-written plays. The show, which is far from "crappety", offers value for every penny of the ticket price - a must-see that anyone would be mad to miss. 

The show runs at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday 29th September and then continues on a UK tour until December. You can book tickets for the Wolverhampton dates here: http://grandtheatre.info/WhatsOn_focus.asp?ShowId=609&sC=page10 and young persons standby tickets are available for 16 - 25 year olds (with valid proof of age) for £5 from the box office 15 minutes before each show. 

Website: http://www.littlevoicetour.com

(With Beverley Callard after the show)