I have spoken before about my love for ‘The Rocky Horror Show’.
A fan since I was around 11 years old, I have seen the film billions of time, listened to the vinyl copy of the Original Cast recording and gone to several events where I have dressed up, danced and had an absolute ball.
Ready to Rock(y)
When I found out that the ‘Rocky Horror Show World Tour 2021-2022’ was coming to one of my local theatres, I couldn’t resist having a look at tickets.
Jumping in with both feet I booked two tickets near to the front and sent my friend, Michael, a message. Would he care to attend the theatre with me in July?
Top Titfer
I had chosen a performance that came with a sign language interpreter. The reason for this was two-fold; it was two days after my birthday and also I know Michael is a highly proficient sign language user.
My signing had got very rusty and forgotten, as I have very little reason to use it but I thought it would be interesting to watch a highly skilled user translate the whole performance.
The Master of Ceremonies
Michael thankfully said he would come, so on the 8th July we made plans to meet at the car park near to the theatre.
Now, I had another engagement that day in Portsmouth where I needed to have a final dress fitting for a dress that I planned on wearing to an up-coming wedding.
Beaded Beauty
I had planned on being home much earlier, having a leisurely shower and making myself look suitably ready.
Unfortunately the traffic had other thoughts and I got home around 520pm. The fact that I needed to be out by 630pm wasn’t lost on me.
Ragged Ruffles
I ended up running around the house looking for all the different bits needed to make my costume. This was when I ran into a few problems finding certain articles.
Pulling stockings out of drawers, I was desperate to find a specific pair of Snags I had which would be perfect for the event, even being named after one of the characters; Brad.
Sadly I managed to find multiple pairs of seamed stockings, fishnets and more but I couldn’t find my Brads.
Boa(sting)
Time was running out so I made a decision to use a different pair of mock-garters I have which featured a striped weave. Adding a tulle and feather ‘skirt’ and a stunning new beaded corset, I chose a blunt bobbed wig and distinctive make-up.
Hastening to the car, I headed over to Northampton. The looks I got at the roundabout into Northampton were hilarious; disapproving and plain dumbfounded in some cases.
Either way, I didn’t really care as I was on my way to see my favourite show with a bloody fun friend.
Ready to Go!
Michael is also an avid fan of RHS and had a whopper of an outfit that he was teasing me with. I was so excited to see him as I knew he had gone the whole hog.
Getting out of the car, I was absolutely blown away as this gorgeous guy comes strutting towards me in a green surgical gown, fishnets and glittering platform heels!
A pair of pink marigolds, outrageous make-up and a handbag Mrs Thatcher would have lusted over.
Marvellous Medical Michael
Michael came over and gave me a huge hug and we made our way up to the theatre which was a five minute walk. Easy for me, but I am not so sure the platform heels were easy for Michael!
We got ourselves a couple of drinks and headed into the auditorium for the start of the performance.
And what a performance it was.
Theatre Tarts
From the start, people were singing along and shouting out the heckles and one-liners with perfect aplomb.
Michael and I just loved every moment of it, getting up and dancing along to The Timewarp. It was such utter fun and silliness but the best part was the cast.
They were simply wonderful. I admit to being a little sceptical about Ore Aduba in the lead role, however can confirm I was utterly wrong.
Front of Stage
In fact, he has an amazing voice and really played the part of Brad, perfectly.
Half time came and we went out to the bar to collect our drinks. Snapping some photographs, we had a fair amount of people come up to us and ask for pictures. Of course, we completely obliged.
The second half was even better than the first and we sang our little hearts out. Frank N Furter was simply brilliant and we both were so disappointed when the final curtain came down.
Naughty But Nice!
It was over so quickly!
Thankfully when the cast came back to take their bows, it lead into an encore with ‘The Timewarp’ and ‘Sweet Transvestite’
Everyone was on their feet dancing and partying and I have to admit it was a really good sight to see, especially as the past couple of years have been so tough for everyone, including theatres.
I’m a Sweet Transvestite…
We waited till the end to leave the auditorium as I am far from quick on my feet and as we got out there were a group of older ladies taking photographs of themselves.
They asked us to join them for some snaps and we joyfully posed and primped.
Michael was the star attraction, especially when he took off his surgical gown to reveal the full corset, stockings and even glittery X shaped nipple pasties!
Corset Issues!
The whole night had been a raging success and I didn’t think I could have enjoyed it more.
How wrong I was.
One of the older ladies came up and started talking about the show. She asked us when we thought she had first seen the show.
Her answer floored us; 1979.
Cracking Legs!
She said she had only been married a year and was very naïve! I responded that I bet she wasn’t so naïve by the end of the show, was she?
She went onto say it was her 78th birthday that day and we wished her many congratulations. Michael asked if she was going out on the drink with the other ladies.
Well, I was completely gobsmacked by her response.
Call me ‘Frank’
‘Oh no, I am off home. The husband is on a promise. I said to him, you need to take 2 of those blue tablets, not one’ and she proceeded to grind her pelvis and started singing ‘Touch-a Touch-a Touch-a Touch Me!”
It was a completely amazing end to a brilliant night, one that was made so much better by sharing it with Michael.
We made our farewells at the car promising to do another event soon.
Timewarp Twins
In fact, Naughty Pantomime has already been suggested.
Till next time,
SPSG xxx