Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show
Sunderland Empire – 19th January 2026
Invited| Review by Stephen Stokoe
The Rocky Horror Show has come kicking their fishnet bedecked legs, feather boa swinging, camp , and thoroughly bizarre way into one of our region’s theatres to brighten up what is arguably one of the longest and darkest months of the year. As I made my way to Sunderland Empire last night, it was dark, it was murky and it really set the scene for Richard O’Brien’s risqué musical.
Even before we reached the theatre, there were signs. Otherwise respectable Sunderland folk were dressed in ludicrous wigs and hairpieces, glittery gold hats, and an amount of feathers that would make a peacock blush.
In recent times, it has become fashionable for traditional pantomimes to be adjusted to appeal to the more adult market but I would suggest that Richard O’Brien blazed a trail with his rauchy and thoroughly entertaining musical. With its catchy rock soundtrack, audience participation and cult appeal, The Rocky Horror Show is a wonderful night of entertainment at which you never really know what to expect. Often, in addition to the superbly talented cast, the experience is enhanced by an audience that engages and joins in the fun. This was certainly the case at the Sunderland Empire where many an additional laugh came from the superb audience.
I think I have seen The Rocky Horror Show more times than any other show and I always leave with a smile on my face but this latest tour really pulls out the stops in terms of the performers.
Laura Bird is exquisitely sexy and alluring as she welcomes the audience with the opening number ‘Science Fiction: Double Feature’ in front of a lurid front curtain. She winks and encourages right from the start and frames the show ahead with superb vocals and, dare I say it, legs. We are then introduced to Brad (James Bisp) and Janet (Haley Flaherty) the wholesome all-American couple who are in for a very dark night indeed.
The set has changed over the years but this one designed by Hugh Durrant is perfect in its compactness and disarming simplicity. You really do get the feel of watching a cartoon-ish yet stylish old movie in a traditional art-deco cinema. We are then introduced to one of the most pivotal roles in the show – the Narrator played with consummate ease and a twinkle, by Mandy and Motherland actor Jackie Clunes. Clunes draws the audience in with her dry wit and caustic returns as the audience barks all manner of witty remarks at her. There is a book which trains the audience on suggested ways to interact with the show but invariably, the knowledgeable crowd will chirp in with their own. This is what makes this theatrical experience so unique.
The role of Riff Raff, made most famous by the author and originator of the part, is played effectively yet under-statedly by Ryan Carter-Wilson with Magenta (Laura Bird after a quick change) and the tragic but delightful Columbia (Daisy Steere) dutifully at his side.
Undoubtedly, the character most people want to see is the incorrigible Frank ‘n’ Furter and as Stephen Webb strode confidently forward through the theatre smoke, backlit beautifully in red, I had no doubts that he was going to be wonderful. His energy is remarkable and he owned the stage if not the theatre with his presence and vitality reminiscent of Jason Donovan in his younger days and, of course, Tim Curry.
Speaking of the lighting, the entire design (Nick Richings) was superb and the sound (Gareth Owen) as crisp although the Narrator’s microphone did fail at one point in act two but this was quickly rectified.
The band in this production are housed on a raised platform at the back of the set. Led by musical director and Key 1 Adam Smith, the five strong team produced a sound most rock orchestras would be rightly proud.
Sexy, saucy, superb. Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror show is just the tonic to banish the post-Christmas blues and to add a bit of… well perhaps its not prudent to dwell too deeply on what you are being filled with.
Don’t dream it; see it – all this week at the Sunderland Empire.