Let’s Do the Time Warp Again – Rocky Horror Show at Fairfield Halls

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The last time I saw The Rocky Horror Show (more years ago than I care to admit) , we came armed with rice, water pistols and lighters – the full kit for some proper audience participation. That was back in the day, before health and safety had its say. These days, those props are strictly off-limits (fair enough), but that hasn’t dulled the sparkle one bit.

It's a long time since I crimped my hair and wore black lipstick, and Deborah made her apron that afternoon!

We headed to Fairfield Halls in Croydon, which is hosting the show this week, and got into the spirit with a bit of dressing up – though not quite to the level of the die-hard fans who turned up in full Rocky regalia. Corsets, fishnets, glitter, the works. Honestly, they made the night. Their banter with the cast, especially Nathan Caton as the Narrator, was hilarious. Caton, known for his stand-up and TV work, brought razor-sharp wit and brilliant timing to the role, bouncing off the audience with ease and making the whole thing feel like a party.

The show itself is as gloriously bonkers as ever. For the uninitiated, The Rocky Horror Show began life in 1973, written by Richard O’Brien and first staged at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs. It’s a campy, sci-fi musical that follows Brad and Janet, two squeaky-clean college kids whose car breaks down outside a spooky mansion. Inside, they meet Dr Frank’n’Furter and his wild entourage, and things quickly spiral into a glittery, gender-bending romp of seduction, science and sequins. If you don't know the show, I'd highly advise at least seeing the film first, otherwise it probably would feel like an in-joke that you're not party to.

This production, directed by Christopher Luscombe, is slick, fast-paced and full of energy. The cast are superb – Stephen Webb is magnetic as Frank’n’Furter, strutting around with delicious confidence and theatrical flair. Lauren Chia and Connor Garson are pitch-perfect as Janet and Brad, and Natasha Hoeberigs opens the show with a flirtatious charm as the pink-clad usherette. Job Greuter as Riff Raff and Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli as Columbia bring real punch to their roles as does Natasha Hoeberigs as the Usherette/Magenta, and Morgan Jackson as Rocky is not only athletically muscled but genuinely convincing as the created “man”.

The music is iconic – “Sweet Transvestite”, “Dammit Janet”, and of course “Time Warp” had the whole theatre on its feet. Behind it all, a five-piece band led by musical director Josh Sood delivers a powerful, high-energy performance that drives the show from start to finish.

Too late to save nephew Eddie

If I’m being picky, the final act of the show has always felt a bit weaker in terms of story – it loses some of the momentum and coherence of the first half. This is in no way a criticism of this particular production. But by that point, you’re so caught up in the glitter and chaos that it hardly matters.

Fairfield Halls has done a cracking job hosting this – it’s the first full-scale musical there in five years, and what a way to come back. The show runs from Tuesday 2nd to Saturday 6th September, and there are still tickets available, including a special offer of £25 tickets for selected performances.

So, if you fancy a night of outrageous fun, fabulous costumes and infectious music, grab your tickets, dress up, and get ready to do the Time Warp again.

🎟 Book tickets here