Sondheim's 'Road Show' at The Menier Chocolate Factory

I have never visited the Menier Chocolate Factory Theatre before, but their current European premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s musical ‘Road Show’ was reason enough for me to swallow my pride and buy a pair of extortionately priced tickets... how this tiny independent theatre can justify selling seats, STARTING from £29.50, I do not know; but credit to them, they still frequently manage to sell out. Well, I marched in feeling rather bitter; very few theatre trips are worth £60.

Road Show has been reworked several times by Sondheim and writer John Weidman, and settles now at a ninety-five minute long piece that packs in a hell of a lot of narrative. Based on the real life story of the Mizner brothers, Road Show spans forty years and represents two very different aspects of America. Addison is a hard-working, honest gay man; Wilson is a selfish, cheating womaniser - both are desperate to make money but take very different roads to do so. Despite their contrasting opinions and personalities, the two brothers find themselves regularly reunited. The famous ‘Carpe Diem’ quote seems to linger – the boys are warned by their father, before he dies, that they must seize the day, find their way, and make a decent living to support their mother.

The two brothers, Michael Jibson as Addison and David Bedella as Wilson, both show impressive commitment to their roles and give developed, nuanced portrayals - I found the pair of them thoroughly engaging. It was only afterwards that I realised I had seen David Bedella playing the extravagant role of Frank’N’Furter in the Rocky Horror show a year before, and was amazed by the transformation seen here. Phil Wrigley is sweet as the doe-eyed posh boy Horris Bessemer, befriended by Addison as his patron. Though I thought Gillian Bevan was a little weak as Mama Mizner: she has a quiet singing voice that couldn’t carry even in this small theatre and was disappointingly lacklustre throughout.

The music is characteristically Sondheim-esque, which you either love or hate. I enjoyed the rhythmic riffs and jazz progressions, but did find the music a tad repetitive. Towards the end however, there are a few tender moments between Addy and his lover as they sing ‘The Best Thing That Has Ever Happened,’ a gorgeously melodic song. I was delighted to be sitting right next to the enthusiastic band who gave a hearty and secure rendition of this tricky Sondheim score.

Director John Doyle makes the production surprisingly evocative with clever use of the transverse stage and quirky props, including handfuls of hundred dollar notes that are scattered over the stage and audience during the show.

Road Show continues until 17 September, book here.

It's all about DRAG: Rocky Horror Show at Richmond Theatre

The Rocky Horror Show is an enduring cult classic, something of which I was unaware until my experience a few nights ago at Richmond Theatre. This darling little venue, located on Richmond Green always has an assorted menu of shows from which to choose. I am so glad I chose to see Rocky Horror, I absolutely loved it. It is no wonder Richard O’Brien’s musical has a loyal fan base. It has been selling out to audiences for the last thirty years.

When I walked in I was stunned to see so many fully costumed audience members; an ecstatic hysteria surrounded me. I love dressing up – why did no-one tell me? As the show kicked off I realised audience participation went far and beyond just wacky outfits. This show relies on the screaming audience’s enthusiasm, and my audience had enthusiasm aplenty. The call and response between viewers and actors was so impressive I began to think it was staged, as the show went on it got rowdier and more improvised, it was absolutely thrilling to be part of it. Even before the famous ‘Time Warp’ song began, the audience were on their feet ready to boogie, soon after the rest of us were following suit and joining in.

Ainsley Harriott features as the fabulous narrator, and is side-splittingly funny, bouncing off the audience interjections with wit and charisma. And he isn’t afraid to let his hair down, joining in energetically with the chorus numbers and dancing about the stage. I cannot fault the rest of the cast, they are all outstanding. David Bedella, who returns to the role of Frank’n’Furter, owns the stage and commands attention, not just because of his daring sequined costume. Vocally the cast is brilliant, not a note is out of place, and the amplification helps make the sound more electrifying, competing with the lively band.

As I left I wondered about the phenomenon of Rocky Horror and why such a crazy show could be so popular and even relevant to people of all ages (the audience were hugely diverse). Perhaps because it acts as a form of escapism that viewers can participate in and feel part of. Or maybe it is a way of dealing with homophobia, poking fun at those hostile prejudices. Whatever it is, London’s West End seems to be all about drag at the moment with Priscilla Queen of the Desert continuing to excite audiences and shows like La Cage aux Folles running well in London, it seems we can’t get enough of it.

It is no secret that I love watching drag, I find it addictive even. And just like Priscilla I feel I could happily see Rocky Horror every week and still love it as much as the first time. Now I’ve lost my ‘Rocky Horror virginity’ I’m looking forward to watching this show for a second and third time.

Rocky Horror continues until Saturday 27 November, book here.