Review: The Rocky Horror Show, Theatre Royal Norwich

It’s back and at its best! This show brings out the party monster in us all and it’s definitely time for your fishnets and suspenders.

The majority of the audience do dress up and many of them seem to know the plot, and best lines, better than the cast. Believe me - this is a lively show and not for the faint-hearted.

Former BBC journalist and Strictly champ Ore Oduba plays Brad, one of the geeky college kids who stumbles across Frank N Furter’s isolated castle of decadence. And from then on, it’s all pretty much raucous madness!

The narrator, played by Philip Franks, somehow holds it all together and has some great banter with the audience while Kristian Lavercombe’s Frank N Furter steals the show for me. The score is strong - we all know Time Warp but Damn It Janet, Sweet Transvestite and Science Fiction - Double Feature are great numbers, too.

This brash, innuendo-laden show has been going strong for about 45 years - and, judging by last night’s reactions, is good for another 45. It began as a celebration of those who felt different, and remains an effective voice for a hopefully more tolerant and liberal society. And it’s a great excuse for a good party, too!

The show continues until Saturday. Visit www.norwichtheatre.org

Sarah Hardy