The Rocky Horror Show - Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury

I would like to take you on a strange journey…to Waterside Theatre Aylesbury where The Rocky Horror Show is on this week. 

The Rocky Horror Show is Richard O’Brien’s cult musical about Brad and Janet; newly engaged whose car breaks down.  They stumble across an old castle and decide to ask to use their phone and discover so much more than they could ever anticipate.  It is intentionally set in a B-movie style and features so many brilliant songs including Sweet Transvestite, Science Fiction/Double Feature, Dammit Janet and, of course, the timeless, Time-Warp.

Stephen Webb plays Frank and I am so glad he is back in the role where he belongs.  Stephen feels like the role was made for him and he is in my top three favourite Franks of all time.  He is incredibly sexy and commands the stage with a presence so you cannot take your eyes off him.  His vocals are phenomenal; he absolutely nails the songs – especially ‘I’m going home’ which is a highlight of the show. (and well done to the audience members who brought their cards for sorrow and cards for pain). 

I loved Brad and Janet played by and James Bisp and Haley Flaherty.  They both delivered in abundance.  The Narrator was played by Jackie Clune.  This is the first time in all my decades of doing Rocky Horror I have seen this role played by a woman.  It works well in the most part, but for the die-hards they will notice that they cut a line where the storm clouds are heavy, dark and pendulant.  I know this is probably because there is a call out about a men’s anatomy but it would have been really funny to have kept that in.  Jackie read the role a tad too fast for my liking.  We need time for the call outs as that is a big part of the show.  People come dressed up to a show they feel connected to and the call outs are also a big part of that.  It’s the most audience participated show there is! So, to every cast member who does this show…please don’t say your lines too fast.  

It is not a lie to say it was Rocky Horror as I have never experienced it before.  Surely it has to be the hottest day of the year to be wearing stockings and suspenders.  Normally I am dressed up from head to toe as one of the characters but I couldn’t do it so I wore my RH dress instead.  I still got many lovely comments from other theatre goers.  Rocky Horror is much more fun if you participate.  It was lovely to see Rocky virgins who had never seen the show before enjoying it.  This show is as much about the audience as cast members.  I have some photos on my gallery from the audience so check it out if you were there. 

Don’t dream it – be it. What a great motto to live by.  Life is too short to miss this show so go buy a ticket to give yourself over to absolute pleasure.  After all, this is no ordinary show, it’s one of the master’s affairs.  

The Rocky Horror Show is at Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury until 30 May 2026.