REVIEW: THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW @ THE PRINCESS THEATRE

🎭 The Rocky Horror Show

📍 Princess Theatre, Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5EZ   

🗓 Monday 16th June 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

TERRIFICALLY TUMULTUOUS!

Give yourself over to absolute pleasure as THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW is back in Torbay, thrilling audiences at the Princess Theatre.

The musical first opened in London in 1973 and has gained a strong cult following which has ensured its longevity. The current production is as colourful, wacky and sexy as ever!

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW follows newly engaged couple Brad and Janet who get a flat tire in the middle of a storm. They seek refuge at a castle where they meet a plethora of eccentric characters. Their mad scientist host Dr Frank-N-Furter is throwing a party to unveil and show off his latest creation Rocky - a physically perfect man with all the lumps and bumps in the right places!

As the story progresses Brad and Janet experience a sexual awakening and Frank-N-Furter loses control as his staff rise up against him because of their desire to return to their home planet.

The atmosphere in the theatre was electric even before the show began. Audience members were dressed to impress with heels, basques, feather boas, fishnet stockings and wigs as far as the eye could see! This show creates a unique camaraderie between patrons which is unparalleled. I had lots of comments on my footwear, although I can confirm that walking around in 4 inch heels is not quite as easy as it seems. Thankfully I managed to stay upright!

From the moment Natasha Hoeberigs stepped onto the stage as the Usherette to perform Science Fiction - Double Feature the audience went wild, and the energy only grew from there. Long-time fans will know that there is an audience script, with certain things being shouted out in unison at certain points throughout the show, and there were some unscripted heckles too!

Connor Carson as Brad and Erica Wild as Janet were brilliant, perfectly capturing the naivety and innocence of the couple. Joe Greuter was glorious as the weird and wonderful Riff Raff, and I especially enjoyed his transition from obedient butler to weapon-weilding commander which he played exceptionally well.

As Magenta Natasha Hoeberigs oozed sexuality and Morgan Jackson flexed his way through the show as Rocky, much to the joy of many members of the audience! Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli was outstanding as Columbia, exuding joy throughout.

The vocals from the entire cast were out of this world. In fact I think Jackson gave the best rendition of Sword of Damocles that I've ever heard. The power and control of the entire team's vocals were a marvel in themselves.

For me, Adam Strong is the definitive Frank-N-Furter. From the moment he entered I couldn't take my eyes off him. He was commanding as he strutted around the stage. This is a role you can really play with, and boy did he play with it! He was sexy, domineering and completely mad which I absolutely loved, and his vocals took my breath away. The power and tone of his voice was mesmerising and genuinely sent shivers through my body. By the time he performed Don't Dream It I was ready to marry him!

Nathan Caton was utterly fantastic as the Narrator. His naughty quick wit was sensational and thanks ti him I'll never think of chocolate and creamy ganache the same again! His delivery was flawless, and his response to audience heckles was a thing of beauty and had us rolling in the aisles, prompting proper belly laughs from everyone. The way he stood and delivered the lines was completely at odds with the things he was saying, which was just brilliant. Every other time I've seen this show the Narrator has been played by a household name, but Caton completely trumped them all with his performance.

After over 50 years on the stage THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW keeps going from strength to strength, and definitely doesn't feel old. The set and costume designs are electrifying and the lighting design does exactly what it needs to do and is a triumph in itself.

So roll up those fishnets, strap on those heels and loosen your inhibitions as you prepare to do the Time Warp again! Definitely not for the faint hearted, this is a theatre experience like no other! Theatre etiquette goes out of the window for a night of orgasmically riotous fun!

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW continues performances at the Princess Theatre until Saturday 21st June. Click here for tickets. One thing's for sure, you'll leave feeling sexually liberated!

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one reviewer.  

My ticket for this performance of The Rocky Horror Show was gifted by the Princess Theatre who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

CAST AT THIS PERFORMANCE:

Adam Strong as Frank-N-Furter; Erica Wild as Janet; Connor Carson as Brad; Job Greuter as Riff Raff; Natasha Hoeberigs as Magenta / Usherette; Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli as Columbia; Morgan Jackson as Rocky; Edward Bullingham as Eddie / Dr. Scott; Ryan Carter-Wilson as Phantom; Arthur Janes as Phantom; Hollie Nelson as Phantom; Stacey Monahan as Phantom

RUN TIME (approx):

1 hour 55 minutes, including interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Loud music; Flashing lights; Scenes of a sexual nature

AGE GUIDANCE:

12+