**** (4 Stars)
“Anarchic Delight!”
It’s a rare treat to be able to see a production of Richard O’Brien’s Legendary Rocky Horror show outside the confines of the professional touring production as the rights have been tightly controlled since the show’s inception back in 1973 where it debuted at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs in London.
53 year later following numerous productions and of course the beloved movie adaptation Rocky Horror continues to entertain the globe with its heavy mix of sexual liberation, tribute to the b-movie pastiche, audience participation and good old rock and roll!
Edinburgh University Theatre Company bring the show to the intimate Bedlam Theatre and deliver a production that’s filled with anarchic delight. Even with director Hunter King’s choice to use a more gender-blind approach to casting, there are moments that shine and capture the heart and essence of Rocky Horror more fully than the current UK tour does.
Performances are overall excellent with Lil Hodge leading the company as Dr Frank ‘N’ Furter they deliver a performance that’s dripping in knowing sexual lust, but it does need more of an injection of masculinity to sell the fact Frank is a sweet transvestite and sexually open to all comers. That being said, Hodge belts out the songs with a stunningly strong vocal.
Charlotte Senior and Max Middleton play the stories central star-crossed lovers Janet Weiss and Brad Major in fabulous style harnessing the comedy, great vocals and a sense of innocence with easy.
Dani J Bryant is a revelation as Riff Raff, enshrewing a slight nod to Richard O’Brien’s original creation but taking it out in the comedic universe with a honey soaked vocal they practically steal the show with there high energy performance. The same is true of Bea Lermite and Gemma Leach as Magenta and Columbia respectively they really get there characters over in great style.
Also making the most of there stage time are Oliver Mason “Narrator”, Aisling Ni Dhochartaigh “Dr Scott”, Ewan Robertson “Eddie” and Hattie Summers as “The Usherette” they bring joy and dedication to their performances and Oliver Mason in particular handles the audience shout outs with ease.
The true highlight of the show is Frank ’N ‘ Furter’s creation “Rocky” played by the gorgeous Josh Chamberlin and while he might not be the body builder type used in the professional production, he brings a charm, wonderful physicality and stunning vocal ability to the role. Its almost a cheeky Chappy interpretation with a wonderful dash of innocence and he doesn’t look half bad in a Basque and stockings too boot.
The principals are joined by an 8 strong ensemble of ghouls who revel in delivering Naomi Jessiman’s inventive choreography. Hunter Kings direction is fast paced and really latches into soul of the piece and it’s wonderful to see the full show being performed rather than the heavily abridged pro tour.
Production wise the team acquit themselves well with Kiran Mukherjee’s lighting design making the best of the space although could be sharper on the cues especially during lighting strikes. Eric Rogers Sound design does work despite a few glitches and achieves a great balance across musical director Emily Smith 6 strong on-stage band with special mention going to James Reinhardt on Tenor Saxophone who puts the cherry on the cake of this show.
This is really a student company production that revels in the heart of the show and produces a truly entertaining evening of musical entertainment although its only Max Middleton as Brad Majors who dawns the high heels at any point! A Cuban or cowboy heel does not make a stiletto! But you can’t help but be won over by the sheer enthusiasm of the company and with cheep bar in the venue this is a riot of fun night out! You won’t go wrong in hitting the Bedlam and doing the time warp if you can get a gold dust return ticket.
Richard O’Brian’s, The Rocky Horror Show! The Bedlam Theatre, Edinburgh Runs until Saturday 26th September 2026. Including special midnight performances, SOLD OUT For more information and return tickets go to: Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show | Bedlam Theatre
