REVIEW The Rocky Horror Show at Mayflower, Southampton Until July 24

It’s astounding - and it’s just a jump to the left to the Mayflower Theatre for an unforgettable night at the Rocky Horror Show.

The rock and roll musical sensation has been captivating audiences worldwide for decades, but there is something extra special about this year’s UK tour – as theatregoers are welcomed back after what seems an age.

This is just one of many reasons why the audience at the Mayflower is fully captivated by the performance.

The sheer joy of the classic songs, the well-known dance routines and the pantomimeesque dialogue is only amplified by a real appreciation for live entertainment. Of course the subject of the pandemic cannot be avoided altogether.

The show’s narrator, played knowingly by Philip Franks, seamlessly inserts several topical jokes along the way – to great applause.

The exuberant cast does not hold back, with strong vocal performances from each member and gleeful ensemble dance numbers – see Time Warp as a prime example.

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Brad. It would be miss not to mention ephen Webb as the inous yet charming FrankN-Furter who manages to capture the duality of the iconic character. However, the female leads Haley Flaherty, as Janet, Lauren Ingram, as Columbia, and Suzie Mcadam, as Magenta, really stand out with their exceptional vocals.

With a highly professional cast and crew at the helm this touring production maintains Rocky Horror’s signature peculiarities and sex appeal.

FIONA CALLINGHAM