Press Invite
Rocky Horror is one of those shows that stick with you long after you watch it. When I first went to see it on stage, at Bournemouth Pavilion several years ago now, I was instantly a fan of this loud and proud musical masterpiece that just isn’t afraid to push boundaries when it comes to set, costume and script. So I was really excited to be heading back last night for the show’s return to Bournemouth – the Rocky Horror Show is on until this Saturday, so make sure you grab your tickets and catch it whilst it’s here!
The press nights are always fantastic at the Pavilion, but the team really outdid themselves with this one with the addition of hot dogs and a multitude of props to take some brilliant photos before we headed up to watch the show itself. I am always grateful for opportunities like this, but even more so when I get the chance to enjoy them with my husband and a group of good friends and fellow bloggers.
On to the show itself and oh my, what a night! Following the first song, the story exploded onto the stage with the introduction to Janet and Brad and the absolutely hilarious narrator, who played his role, complete with heckling from ‘the audience’ amazingly. The script is hilarious, but the delivery, which can be tricky, was just right, and I was laughing in my seat from the first scene. Musical numbers – I love the vast majority, but you cannot beat The Time Warp (amazing, a highlight of the performance) Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me (my absolute fave) and Dammit Janet. In my opinion, there were enough songs to keep the energy high, without it being too many if you aren’t a huge musicals fan.
The costumes were brilliant, I would say that Magenta’s was a little pared back compared to how I am used to seeing her portrayed, but Riff Raff and Columbia were perfect and, of course, Frank-N-Furter was dominating the stage with his black corset, stockings and sky high heels (how he moves around the stage in them is incredible in itself). This is one of those shows where you are encouraged to dress up as the audience, and there were plenty of groups who had really made an effort and gone all out. I had planned my outfit with a nod towards Columbia, but I was seriously impressed with some of the costumes people were wearing – it definitely makes the performance more immersive when you are surrounded by characters from the show.
Story wise, I always feel that the first act goes by in a flash and is very high energy, with a lot going on, and can be a little hard to follow if you’re not already well versed in the storyline. The second act is slower, but I don’t love the ending (personal preference), there was nothing wrong from a performance viewpoint and I thought it was well acted throughout. If you, like me, spend the show tapping your feet and wanting to burst out of your seat and join in, you’ll be pleased to know that this is encouraged at the end of the performance.
The recommended age is 12+, and I would even say maybe a little older as there’s quite a bit of implied adult content and a scantily clad man (Rocky’s body is incredible though, it has to be said!). It definitely isn’t one for young kids (although I guess a lot would go over their heads).
This is one show you do not want to miss- I had a fantastic evening and love the show even more now. Bring your fellow deviant, bring your group of friends and make a night of it. Whatever you do, make sure you book your tickets online in advance on the Bournemouth Pavilion website.
We were kindly invited along to the press night for Rocky Horror for the purpose of review, however all words are my own.
