‘Deliciously debauched’

There are few entrances in theatre like Dr Frank N. Furter’s unveiling in The Rocky Horror Show.

The beauty of it is that it happens after the audience, many dressed for the occasion, has already whipped itself into a frenzy.

Peering into the castle which heroes Janet and Brad have stumbled upon, there is a sweet anticipation as they watch burlesque-clad residents gyrate to the Time Warp on stage.

And as the crowd at the Marlowe stood and danced in front of their seats, they let out a roar as the self-proclaimed “sweet transvestite from transsexual, Transylvania” stepped out.

To put it bluntly, actor Oliver Thornton owned it. His portrayal of the mad scientist who claims to have discovered the “secret to life itself” is arresting – and positively filthy.

No one came close to his performance, partly developed as a member of the original UK cast of Priscilla Queen of the Desert in the West End.

Not even crowd-puller Dani Harmer, set to go down as one of the biggest stars of children’s TV ever, could touch his stage presence – although he touched everyone else plenty of times on stage.

Harmer was sweet and saucy in perfect measures but much of it was owed to Thornton’s deliciously debauched display, which any half-decent actor could bounce off in style.

Other joys were Ben Forster as Brad, winner of ITV’s Superstar competition last year, and narrator Christopher Luscombe.

It’s a credit to writer Richard O’Brien that this show has lasted 40 years on stage with all its sexuality, rock score and outlandish innuendo. Here’s to another four decades.

Chris Price