Review | Rocky Horror Show | Manchester Palace Theatre | 27 July 2026
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
If you've seen the 1975 cult classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, you might think you know exactly what awaits. Think again. The Rocky Horror Show is something that simply has to be experienced live.
The plot itself isn't particularly deep, but that's entirely beside the point. The joy of this show is in its silliness. The story follows young couple Brad (James Bisp) and Janet (Haley Flaherty) after their car breaks down outside a spooky-looking mansion. What they find inside is far stranger than anything suggested by its eerie exterior, as they come face-to-face with the outrageous Dr Frank'n'Furter (Stephen Webb).
Visually, the production embraces a fun comic-book aesthetic that perfectly complements the camp, tongue-in-cheek nature of the show. Nothing is taken too seriously, and the audience is encouraged to do the same
In truth, the audience is just as important as the cast. Traditional theatre etiquette is thrown out of the window as devoted Rocky Horror fans eagerly join in with the action. Regulars know exactly when to shout the show's famous call backs along with off the cuff ones also, while newcomers quickly find themselves swept up in the chaos. From someone yelling "What's Lionel Richie's favourite song?" moments before a character's drawn-out "Hello!", to much more risqué jokes that can't be repeated here, the atmosphere is unlike anything else you would get in more traditional theatre. Narrator Nathan Caton handles every interruption with razor sharp wit, proving quicker and funnier than many stand-up comedians.
The music remains as iconic as ever. Numbers such as Time Warp had much of the audience on their feet, enthusiastically joining in with the famous routine. The standout musical moment, however, came when Stephen Webb strutted onto the stage in towering platform heels to perform Sweet Transvestite. The reaction from the crowd was deafening. Taking on such an iconic role is no easy task, but Webb strikes the perfect balance between paying tribute to Tim Curry’s iconic portrayal on film, while simultaneously making the character undeniably his own.
The strength of the production doesn't rest on Webb’s performance. Every member of the cast throws themselves wholeheartedly into the madness, delivering energetic performances that ensure the show's relentless pace never falters. Even among such a talented company, there isn't a weak link to be found.
It's easy to understand why The Rocky Horror Show remains one of the worlds longest running musical. Over fifty years on, its blend of outrageous humour, iconic music and audience participation still feels fresh and unique. Judging by the sea of fancy dress in the auditorium and the enthusiasm of the crowd, the Manchester audience adored every minute of it, and so did I.
Note: My ticket was gifted in exchange for a review. This review is based on my honest opinion alone and is without influence.
