Rocky Horror Show

The Rocky Horror show itself is a wild, chaotic, and unapologetically eccentric musical about Brad and Janet, a newly engaged couple who find themselves stranded at the mysterious castle of Dr Frank ’N’ Furter. What follows is a bizarre, camp, sci‑fi‑infused journey full of outrageous characters, iconic songs, and a celebration of individuality and liberation, so I was excited to see how the University of Manchester Musical Theatre Society were going to perform this musical.

This production embraced the spirit of the show with enthusiasm. From the moment the audience entered, we were met with an open set that featured key elements of the castle already in place. The design was simple but effective, allowing the cast to move fluidly between scenes while giving the audience a clear sense of location. The open staging also helped maintain the show’s pace, keeping transitions quick and allowing the energy to remain high.

And energy was something this production had in abundance. The cast threw themselves into the performance with commitment, and the atmosphere in the theatre was lively from start to finish. However, there were moments where the choreography felt excessive, particularly in some of the larger musical numbers. At times, the amount of movement pulled focus away from the storytelling and vocals. Because Rocky Horror relies heavily on character‑driven songs, too much choreography can make it difficult for performers to maintain vocal clarity or emotional connection. A slightly more restrained approach in certain numbers might have allowed the narrative and lyrics to shine more effectively.

Frank ’N’ Furter, played by Alexia Mourao, was a bold and very brave (some may argue "risky") casting choice, particularly so for diehard fans of the show. It cannot be denied that Alexia delivered a terrific characterisation, clearly understanding what needed to be conveyed in terms of flamboyance and camp theatricality. Performance aside, I did struggle with the casting choice. Frank is as a self‑proclaimed “sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania,” the humour and shock value initially hinge on the audience’s perception of Frank’s gender presentation. Having Alexia playing Frank I lost so much of what 'The Rocky Horror Show' stands for, or at least, originally stood for. Gender identity and fluidity has moved on a great deal since this show was first conceived, and rightly so! I admit that titilating gender bending characters aren't as shocking to be seen on a commercial stage nowadays, however, should a ‘non binary’ approach have been the deliberate and desired effect behind this casting choice I felt more needed to be made of that to punch that interpretation stronger as it left me feeling confused with how to interpret it. That said, I don't wat to draw away from the fact that Alexia had talent in spades and handled the role with confidence and utmost commitment.

Iona Lyall, playing Janet, brought lovely characterisation to the role. She captured Janet’s innocence, nervousness, and gradual transformation with charm. However, there were moments where she struggled vocally, particularly in sections requiring sustained higher notes or more powerful projection. This didn’t detract from her overall performance, but with a bit more vocal support and confidence, she could elevate the role even further. Adam Fox gave a great performance as Brad. He portrayed Brad’s awkwardness and straight‑laced personality with humour and sincerity. Adam’s vocal delivery was strong, and he handled the character’s comedic moments with excellent timing. His chemistry with Iona helped ground the show, providing a relatable centre amidst the chaos of Frank’s castle.

The Narrator, played by Will Knight, was fantastic. Will had a natural command of the stage and delivered the narration with clarity, humour, and a wonderful sense of timing. He interacted with the audience confidently and navigated the script’s playful interruptions with ease. His performance added structure to the show and helped maintain the comedic rhythm. Dr Scott, played by Calum Baillie, brought great energy and commitment to the role. Calum leaned into the character’s eccentricity and delivered his scenes with enthusiasm. His transformation from serious scientist to unexpected participant in the castle’s madness was entertaining and well‑played. The ensemble was committed throughout and contributed significantly to the show’s energy. They handled the choreography with enthusiasm and supported the main cast effectively. Their vocal work in group numbers was strong, and they helped create the chaotic, vibrant world that Rocky Horror demands. Even when the choreography felt a little too busy, the ensemble’s dedication was clear, and their presence added depth to the production.

Overall, this amateur production of The Rocky Horror Show had many strong elements: high energy, committed performances, and a clear love for the material. There were areas that could be improved particularly balancing choreography with storytelling and navigating how casting choices impact the interpretation of such an iconic piece, but the company delivered an entertaining and spirited performance. The heart of Rocky Horror lies in its celebration of individuality, boldness, and joyful weirdness, and this production certainly captured that spirit.

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