The Rocky Horror Show celebrated 40 years of pelvic thrusting and bra-wearing blokes this week as Browns Bar and Brasserie played host to the sauciest birthday party in Manchester.
As Browns also reached their 40th milestone this year, they were more than happy to share the occasion with the musical last Tuesday as guests turned up in fully Rocky- themed attire ready to enjoy the night.
With only four Manchester shows left before departing for Woking, cast and crew were able to relax and mingle with VIP’s after another show-stopping performance at Manchester’s Palace Theatre.
MM caught up with Rocky narrator Philip Franks who credits the musical’s die-hard fans for keeping the unique experience of the musical alive.
“The crowd can get rowdy but we would be disappointing if they weren’t,” he said.
“They know the script as well or better than you do and let you know it and it is pointless fighting it, they are not aggressive they are only joining in.
“Over the years, the great thing about the play has become the audience interaction and you must be able to comeback as quickly as you can.
“We are disappointed when it is a quiet night!”
Fans of the show have taken to social media sites to express their adoration for the 40th anniversary cast.
One Avid Rocky Horror fan tweeted: “My 14-year-old son took me to see it on Monday as a Father’s Day gift. His first, my 12th time.
“We dressed up a bit but it was a surprise to me on Sunday so I was not prepared! Audience were a tad subdued. Frank was brilliant. I LOVED IT!”
Like Philip, Riff Raff actor Kristian Lavercombe praised the loyal fans for their dedication to the show.
“What makes Rocky Horror so unique is the audience and it is like we are together in one big a party,” he said.
“They make as much of the show as we do and it would be completely different without them.”
The night started off with a bang as celebrity guests and VIP’s were invited to a special treat from the show creator Richard O’ Brien, who appeared in a live link from his New Zealand home to talk about his moment of childish wonder and ‘fishnet stocking delight’.
O’Brien’s original 1973 portrayal of Riff Raff is a role that Kristian has taken up and admits it was a big challenge to undertake.
He said: “I don’t think anyone can fill Richard O’Brien’s shoes and if I can be a little bit like him I would be very happy.”
“He’s just being modest,” Philip interjects. “He is brilliant and plays the role fantastically.”
Kristian smiles and continues: “I get to sing Time Warp every night which everybody knows and loves.
“Everyone has grown up with it at their wedding and at their schools so to see everyone up on their feet singing it with me is amazing.
“It feels incredibly special to be part of the 40th anniversary.” Kristian added.
Philip also felt his fair share of pressure as being quick on his feet and ready for audience shout-out is all in a day’s work for the Rocky Horror narrator.
He said: “Ordinarily when you go on stage if somebody shouts out you are either going to be terribly hurt or terribly angry or leave, but with Rocky Horror you think wahey, this is going to be good!
“Plus when you do a show that is touring for the long run any actor will tell you that it can be hard to keep it fresh but that is the great thing with Rocky Horror is that it will always be fresh because it’s different every night.”
For more information about the Rocky Horror Show tour visit http://rockyhorror.co.uk/
Image courtesy of Rocky Horror via YouTube, with thanks
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