Science Fiction and Double Feature? Say less. Time Warp unleashed. Corsets, camp and contagious chaos at Coventry’s Rocky Horror debut.
Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show first rocked the stage in 1973 at London’s Royal Court Theatre Upstairs, originally before audiences of just 63. It swiftly took off, moving into cinemas, the West End, international tours, becoming one of musical theatre’s longest-running contemporary hits. The show has been seen by over 30 million people in 30+ countries, translated into 20+ languages, and its cult status has only deepened with time. It mixes sci-fi, horror, comedy, and rock & roll in a way few musicals do, one you’ll definitely enjoy and hardly forget.
For any newbies to Rocky Horror, the story follows Brad and Janet, a clean-cut engaged couple whose car breaks down in the rain while travelling to meet their former professor. Seeking shelter, they stumble upon the castle of Dr. Frank’n’Furter, a flamboyant, otherworldly host from “Transsexual, in the Galaxy of Transylvania.” What follows is a wild night of glam, oddities, shocks, seduction, transformation (both literal and metaphorical), and of course, unforgettable, fan favourite songs like “Science Fiction/Double Feature”, “Sweet Transvestite,” “Time Warp,” and more. All this with a heavy dose of audience participation: shouting back, dressing up, dancing in your seats.
Last night’s press night at the Belgrade felt like stepping into a living, breathing Rocky Horror party. For someone who’d never seen it before, the mix of spectacle, silliness, and sheer energy was electrifying. The fans did not disappoint – corsets, fishnets, sequins, glam makeup. They came ready, which set the tone before the first line was even delivered.
I was in absolute awe of the production. Stephen Webb as Frank’n’Furter completely owned the stage. Commanding, charismatic, and seductively camp, he straddled the line between menace and mischief with ease. James Bisp and Haley Flaherty’s Brad and Janet were pitch-perfect as the naïve couple thrown into chaos, their straight-laced innocence unravelling as the madness unfolded. And the supporting cast? Pure dynamite. From Riff Raff’s creepiness to Columbia’s spark, Rocky’s golden glow and beyond, every performer gave it their all. Strong vocals, sharp choreography, and just the right amount of outrageousness.
Christopher Luscombe’s direction kept the pace slick. Each entrance, exit and reveal landed with theatrical flair. Lighting cues hit hard, and the costumes? Gloriously over the top, as they should be. The soundtrack, of course, was the heartbeat of the night. The band sounded fantastic, and the crowd’s reaction to “Time Warp” proved it’s still the ultimate fan favourite to boogie out to. The energy was infectious and the atmosphere electric.
If this was your first time seeing Rocky Horror, as it was mine last night, expect to leave buzzing: with laughter, maybe a bit shocked, definitely uplifted. This Belgrade production brings together everything that makes the show a phenomenon and doesn’t let up. Whether you come for the familiar songs, the chance to dress up, or simply to escape and have fun for two hours, this version delivers. Don’t delay: get your fishnets and heels ready, get your friends and family (and even your co-workers!) because this is one night out you won’t forget.
Tickets are selling fast, get yours here
★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5
Review written by Cass Floresca