Theatre Review: Rocky Horror Show at the Alexandra Theatre
AD: This Press Night Review refers to the 2026 Touring Production of the Rocky Horror Show at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham*
It’s that time of year again, when I swap my usual Monday night attire for fishnets. Its time to do the Time Warp again, and take you, if I may, on a strange journey. To the Alexandra Theatre, where it’s a night we’re going to remember for a very long time. Yes, it’s the return of the Rocky Horror Show.
There’s a light in the darkness, of everybody’s life
Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show is an event as much as it is a show. Since it’s 1973 West End debut, and the release of the iconic film in 1975, the stage show has toured regularly, creating a cult following and is famous for its participatory nature where the audience hurl dialogue back at the cast. Rather than bring frowned upon – you can’t do THAT in The Sound of Music – the cast leave appropriate pauses for the audience response, adding to the chaotic comedy.
But even complete Rocky Horror virgins can enjoy the spectacle. The Brummie audience did not disappoint, with plenty of fishnets, corsets and feather boas on the display. And that’s just the men.
“In just seven days, I can make you a man”
No-one comes to see Rocky Horror for the story. But for those that do like to follow a plot, it tells the story of newly engaged couple, Brad (James Bisp) and Janet (Hayley Flaherty), forced to request help from a mysterious mansion when their car breaks down one dark and stormy night. Brad and Janet are young, in love, and completely naïve.
The creepy castle just happens to be owned by a charismatic and unpredictable alien transvestite, hellbent on sex and murder. Along the way, he throws a party, creates his very own muscle man – the titular Rocky – and turns on his own minions. Brad and Janet’s innocence soon disappears. Along with most of their clothes. It’s a surprisingly complex storyline, but let’s not dwell too much on the bizarre and highly implausible sci-fi elements
The script is faithful to Richard O’Brien’s original, although the Narrator is allowed to break from tradition, poking fun at the current state of affairs in UK new and politics. Jackie Clune was an excellent Narrator, rising to the audience banter with aplomb and razor sharp ripostes.
I’ve tasted blood and I want more (more, more)
We’re absorbed in the frenzied mayhem from the moment the iconic usherette appears onstage. It’s my second time seeing Steven Webb as Dr Frank-n-Furter; the Tim Curry portrayal is iconic, but Webb gives us his own swaggering and sexy spin on the character. He has the audience in the palm of his hands from the moment he sets a platformed foot on stage. He slips easily between masculine and feminine, and is completely mesmerising.
James Bisp and Haley Flaherty are perfectly sugar sweet as Brad and Janet, and both sizzle when paired with Webb. Flaherty portrays an almost painfully polite Janet, who gradually embraces a much naughtier side as she falls under Frank’s spell. Bisp brings a nerdy charm to Brad, and he is warm and engaging.
Daisy Steere is a captivating and energetic Columbia, and Laura Bird a spellbinding Magenta/Usherette. Ryan Carter-Wilson has taken over from long-time Riff Raff Kristian Lavercombe and gives us a wonderfully weird portrayal of the handyman with a secret. The whole ensemble look like they’re having a ball
The songs are iconic and embedded in modern culture. Naturally the “Timewarp” is a crowd-pleaser and “Sweet Transvestite” a showstopping introduction to Frank-n-Furter. Edward Bullingham’s time as Eddie may be short-lived but his version of “Hot Patootie” is another fan favourite. The live band are suspended above the stage, and ensure that the party continues until the final curtain call.
“It’s just a jump to the left…”
Director Christopher Luscombe has a long-standing association with the show, and his passion for it shows in this production. The simple, cartoonish set, designed by Hugh Durrant, is inspired by 50’s B-movies and the scene transitions are seamless. Fabulous lighting by Nick Richings adds atmosphere; towards the end in particular the set becomes visually striking and a a perfect backdrop to the final act.
The sound crew do a great job of making sure that the dialogue can be heard, even in the rowdier moments of the show. Although we do have a tense show-stop in the first half due to a power failure which left the audience shivering with antici…..pation.
Time may be fleeting, but for 50+ years old, Rocky Horror is looking pretty damn fresh. It’s absurd, it’s outlandish, it’s camp, and it’s deliciously bonkers. It doesn’t take itself seriously in the slightest. And just like Brad and Janet, it’s a night you’ll never forget.
If you want to be thrilled, chilled and fulfilled, The Rocky Horror Show is at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 11th July 2026. Purchase your tickets here. The UK Tour continues until August 2026; for a full list of dates, visit the Rocky Horror Show official website.
Photo Credit: David Freeman
*Why is this post marked AD? I was invited to attend Press Night in exchange for an honest review. You can trust that I will always be honest and truthful on A Brummie Home and Abroad, and being an invited guest will not influence my opinion in any way.
