Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Cast: Oliver Thornton, Ben Foster, Roxanne Pallett, Rhydian, Philip Franks, Kristian Lavercombe, Abigail Jaye, Ceris Hyne, Joel Montague, Maria Coyne, Chrsitos Dante, David Gale, Rachel Grundy.

For 40 years Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show has thrilled audiences all over the globe. It’s songs of debauchery, sensational and brilliant depravity such Timewarp, Sweet Transvestite, I Can Make You a Man and The Sword of Damocles get audiences laughing, dancing and enjoying every time they get performed, for all that it is no wonder that crowds flock to watch it in their abundance.

For its 40th anniversary, the show has received a bit of a makeover, nothing drastic to make the ever growing popularity of the stage extravaganza lose momentum but enough to make it fresh and appealing to those who may have only caught the spectacle once before. A new cast as well strutted and preened their way through the rapid heart of the show, including a superb Roxanne Pallett as the seemingly demure Janet, a rather incredible portrayal of Rocky by Rhydian and a heart warming version of Columbia by returnee Ceris Hine  who nails the essence of the red haired beauty every time.

Perhaps the biggest eyebrow raiser of the night was immense talent that resides in Philip Franks, an actor and director of some repute; it seems he can also have a ready quip for every occasion during the show. Not only is he the most incredible narrator, able to hide the innuendo with a subtle straight face as he recounts the tale of Brad and Janet but he is able to play along to the audiences every whim, every verbal gesture that is thrown his way. A magnificent piece of on stage performing and comic wit as you are ever likely to see.

A highlight of the musical year in Liverpool, full of fun and a great performance with show stopping tunes littered throughout and as sexy as you want it to be.

Ian D. Hall