Fast, Filthy and Full of Fun
The Rocky Horror Show has returned to the Edinburgh Playhouse, and what an absolute blast. This production brings Richard O’Brien’s cult classic to life with infectious energy, outrageous fun and a cast who clearly understand exactly what this show is meant to be.
Leading the charge is Jason Donovan as Dr Frank N Furter, delivering camp, charisma and theatrical flair in abundance. His wig is, admittedly, a little distracting. Rocky Horror has always revelled in a slightly grotesque lack of polish, but there were moments where one wondered if a swift head turn might send it flying into the audience, given how far back it sat. Still, it somehow feels oddly fitting for a show that thrives on excess and imperfection. Wigs aside, Donovan is a true master in six-inch heels, bringing sex-appeal and utter hilarity to the role in a way few could challenge.
Another standout of the evening is Jackie Clune as the Narrator, who is exceptional throughout. Her timing is razor sharp, and she handles audience heckles with quick wit and deliciously sassy comebacks, making every interaction feel spontaneous and alive. The rest of the cast are clearly having a fantastic time, with strong performances across the board from James Bisp as Brad, Haley Flaherty as Janet, Ryan Carter-Wilson as Riff Raff, Laura Bird as Magenta and the Usherette, Daisy Steere as Columbia, and Morgan Jackson as Rocky, who cuts an imposing and entertaining figure as Frank’s muscle-bound creation.
The costumes are a little uninspired at times, but this is not a show that needs the polish or spectacle we expect of other large-scale musical theatre production. Rocky Horror works best when it feels a bit scrappy and rough around the edges, and that ethos runs through this production in a way that feels intentional rather than undercooked.
As ever, the show’s cult-like following is very much part of the experience. Audience members are encouraged to dress up, and many do, some more outrageously than others. The call-and-response interaction is great fun, particularly thanks to the Narrator, but it does occasionally highlight a familiar issue. Not everyone knows when or what to shout, meaning a handful of voices tend to dominate. For those seated further back, it can feel slightly excluding to hear a sharp comeback without catching the original heckle, followed by laughter you are momentarily out of the loop on. There is no real solution to this without spoiling the magic, and perhaps that is part of earning your stripes as a true Transylvanian.
One of the more surprising elements is the show’s length. It is exceptionally short. While many of the cuts made in the transition from screen to stage help with pacing, there are moments where it feels like a snip too far. Rocky virgins could be forgiven for feeling a little lost, as the plot races along at such a clip that if you blink, you might miss something. That said, this is not a show of deep, thoughtful twists. It is an off-the-wall assault on the senses, and it succeeds brilliantly at surprising and delighting.
The one area where more time would have been welcome is in Rocky’s development. Unlike the film, there is little opportunity to see him grow into his existence, arriving fully formed and bursting with energy. This is not a fault of the performer or the direction, but simply a consequence of a production that packs every second with innuendo, hilarity, gyration and whimsy.
In the end, this production delivers exactly what it promises. It is loud, silly, cheeky and gloriously unapologetic. If you love Rocky Horror, you will leave grinning. If you are new to it, go with an open mind and a willingness to be swept along.
Fishnets optional. Fun guaranteed.