50 Years of a Brilliant Rock Musical

“Don’t dream it. Be it.”

Frank’n Furter

 

Costume Competition

This show is for the fans of the incredible film that has engendered such enthusiasm, ranging on obsession through late night screenings world wide more than 50 years ago.  I was there to celebrate the Rocky Horror stage show which I have loved ever since I saw Tim Curry as Frank ‘n Furter, Richard O’Brien as Riff Raff, Patricia Quinn as Magenta and Little Nell as Columbia in a cinema in the King’s Road Chelsea in 1973.  Sadly it was long before I was reviewing theatre but there have been thankfully some opportunities since. 

I was actually in the wrong place but more of that later.  Introduced by president of the official Rocky Horror Fan Club, Larry Viezel, there is a celebration of the costume efforts of the audience, clad in semi-professional manifestations of the film wear. I had watched before the show people struggling to get into the gold shin covers and high heeled boots to perfect the look.  The best are pulled up on stage and three winners announced. 

There is a filmed introduction from Richard O’Brien, the creator of the show and the original Riff Raff, welcoming the fans.  Sadly he wasn’t there is person which he has been for the staged anniversaries.  Maybe he shares my reservations about this interactive filmic event?  See below.  

Richard O'Brien on film as Riff Raff and shadow cast

Then we have the living history session as four of the original cast recall their memories of auditioning and getting chosen.  Patricia Quinn was the original red mouth and teeth which became the film’s icon. Her face was blacked up for the filming, at an almost abandoned Elstree, so only her mouth was visible. She played red haired Magenta onstage at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs in 1973 and in the film.

Peter Hinwood, of the film Rocky “I’m only seven hours old, truly beautiful to behold!” with the stupendous body and blonde hair recalls being discovered by Jim Sharman the original director in a gym in Chelsea. He now looks more like the London art dealer he has become since.  Nell Campbell, Columbia in both stage and screen talks about being discovered while working as a singing waitress.  Barry Borthwick fifty years later seems far more charming and charismatic now than he was as Brad and no-one yelled “Asshole” at him except on celluloid!

We then have the film screened with assorted sized imitators in costume miming beneath the film screen.  These fans are called the shadow cast and have taken Frank ‘n Furter’s words “Don’t Dream It, Be It” literally.  It is all about them rather than pleasure in audience visuals at this point and throughout the screening.  Or should I say Screaming?  Because this is what was happening in my right ear by an audience member who seemed coked up. The screaming gave way to shouty, out of tune singing, yes word perfect but no idea what the notes should be.  This audience member seated in about M21 to M23, she will know who she is, was completely insensitive to the enjoyment of those seated around her. 

Poster and Original Cast Compere Larry Viezel, Patricia Quinn (Magenta), Peter Hindwood (Rocky). Nell Campbell (Columbia) and Barry Bostwick (Brad Majors).

Fortunately, we were advised that there were some empty seats to the side, a little further back and we moved at the interval.  In the new seating we had much more pleasure in viewing the film sans screaming and bad singing, the only interruptions some chap in a spangled mouth back of his jacket repeating the quips to get answers from those on film.  Mildly amusing the first time you heard them years ago, but fading fast in ingenuity on repetition. 

Aware of the film’s interactive nature, the management provided a “goody” bag, a conical hat which if worn straight, would interfere with the sight of those sitting behind you, a page of the March issue of the Daily Mail, a light stick in case you were tempted to light your lighter under the rained on newspaper, for the song, “There’s a Light Over at the Frankenstein Place,” and a rubber glove and a party blower.  Keen fans had brought their own water pistols.  A Merchandise stall was increasing the profits from the event.

I don’t want my misgivings to interfere with the positive contribution Rocky Horror has made to those experiencing gender fluidity and to artistic trans dressing away from pearls, twinsets, tweed skirts, bad wigs and nail varnish.  And to the best of lyrics.  Tim Curry was absolutely gorgeous! 

The tour continues as listed below and the Rocky Horror 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour has several more stops for those who love the film interaction and don’t mind the amateur shambolics of the shadows cast!  For me I’m going to republish my reviews of The Rocky Horror Stage Show and the little known Shock Treatment.

Susan Sarandon as Janet and Barry Bostwick as Brad in the movie

Production Notes

The Rocky Horror 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour

Information

Running Time: Two  hours 45 minutes 

Touring to 3rd May 2026

Theatre reviewed at: 

Dominion Theatre

Touring to

Saturday 25th April 

Sheffield City Hall

Sunday 26th April 

York. Barbican

Tuesday 28th April 

Bristol Beacon

Wednesday 29th April

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Thursday 30th April 

Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

Friday 1st May

Birmingham Symphony Hall

Sunday 3rd May

Edinburgh Festival Theatre

Reviewed by Lizzie Loveridge

on Sunday 19th April at the Dominion