Cast: Kara Lane, Haley Flaherty, Mark Evans, Michael Starke, Brian McCann, Ceris Hine, David Bedella, Dominic Tribuzio, Nathen Amzi.
Over thirty five years since its inception, The Rocky Horror Show still shows no sign of slowing down and resting on its sparkly top hat or putting down its feather boa. As ever the public still love this story of mad transvestites, spooky houses and tongue in cheek gore which can thrill, chill and fulfil even the stoniest of hearts.
The story is so well known that it would do it disservice to sum it up in just a few words but the songs that appear have stood the test of time from those heady days of the early seventies and all were sung with great dedication to give the almost sell out audience a night to remember. This was especially true of the ever popular Time Warp, Dammit Janet and Sweet Transvestite.
David Bedella, reprising his role from the production’s last visit to Liverpool completely steals the show as the loveable but totally corrupt Frank ’N’ Furter. David’s voice in the last two years has become even more seductive to theatre goers ears and he has certainly grown into the part as he seemed even more confident in the role.
The production tends to use local acting stars to play the Narrator and this run was no different in having Liverpool actor and legend of shows such as Brookside and Coronation Street Michael Starke take on the task. Michael was tremendous in the part and more than held his own under the barrage of good natured insults from the hyped up crowd as it part of the deal when taking on the role.
A mention must go to the adorable Haley Flaherty who has blossomed as a performer over the last few years thanks to productions such as Chicago and Grease. She has made the part of Janet Weiss her own and her comic timing in the bed scene with David Bedella was a joy to watch.
As ever Richard O’ Brien’s Rocky Horror Show is tremendous fun and the more outlandish it gets the more fun it is.
If you get the chance, head on down to the Empire to catch this superb musical, give in to desire and relax in the company of those who want to party.
Ian D. Hall