The Rocky Horror Show is coming back to the north to brighten up your winter with its fishnet-bedecked legs kicking high and feather boa swinging high as the Richard O’Brien risqué musical returns once again.

Over 35 million theatregoers have witnessed The Rocky Horror Show, which tells the story of two impeccable college students, Brad and his fiancée, Janet. When, by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion while they're on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr. Frank-n-Furter. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity.

Stephen Webb, whose theatre credits include Legally Blonde and Jersey Boys, has returned to the musical to play Dr Frank-n-Furter, a role he is looking forward to playing again. “The further north we go, the louder and more raucous the audiences are,” laughed Stephen. For anyone not familiar with the show, there is a lot of audience participation, in particular with the cast and hecklers in the auditorium, something that the company are trained in dealing with. “When we are rehearsing, our director will shout out some of the most common lines that the audience comes out with, so we get used to how to reply to the hecklers. I’ve been doing the show for over five years now and am quite well versed in how to deal with them.”

Rocky Horror has gone from being a cult show to one that draws people back to the show many times, in particular Stephen, who is a huge fan of the show. “It is one of those types of productions that drew me out of my comfort zone, though when I play Frank I always find different parts of his character. Many of my acting friends always told me it would be an experience to be in Rocky Horror, and they have proved me right. The reason I keep coming back, and I suspect why audiences keep returning, is because the show is funny and sexy, and there are some fabulous songs, such as Time Warp and Sweet Transvestite, that people love.”

For anyone who has not seen Rocky Horror previously, the experience could initially feel like you are a gatecrasher at a private party, as the rest of the audience all know what is coming next. “Once you have seen the show, you will become one of the family. First-time attendees of the show don’t need to dress up, no matter what other audience members are wearing; they just need to be aware that there is a script and that the audience loves to shout out. The show is not sleazy, though it is very suggestive – I would suggest that you come with an open mind if this is your first experience of watching the show; if they decide to see the show again, they will probably come back dressed up as one of the characters – and maybe even look better than me,” laughed Stephen.

The outrageous and often risqué costumes are as much a part of the production as the songs and hecklers. “All the costumes I wear are made to measure for me; they try to keep them as close to the original ones when the show first opened. I have a few favourites though, such as my finale costume, which changes colour! I like my feather boa too, which is about three metres long, which is in keeping with the theme of the show.”

The musical has elements of glam rock and even punk. Imagine a blend of David Bowie's glam, T. Rex's rock, and the attitude of punk, and you'll likely find yourself in the musical score of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. “I would say that this is very much a glam rock show,” Stephen agreed. “This could be David Bowie around his Ziggy Stardust period mixed with a bit of Queen in their early days.”

Over the years, a variety of stars, including Alison Hammond, Beverley Callard, and Joe McFadden, have narrated the show. “We have two people doing the show on the current run; in Bradford it will be Jackie Clunes, who I am sure will be ready to deal with a boisterous Yorkshire audience. When a new narrator comes in to the show, they are understandably a little bit scared – by the end of their run, they do not want to leave because they have enjoyed it tremendously, as it is a real good laugh – which I am sure our northern audiences will agree with when we return to bring a smile to their faces and put a wicked spring in their step.”

The Rocky Horror Show visits the north:
2nd-7th February- Bradford Alhambra
4th - 9th May - Liverpool Empire
11th-16th May - Blackpool Grand
20th July - 25th July - York Opera House
27th July - 1st August - Manchester Palace Theatre

https://rockyhorror.co.uk/