Review: The Rocky Horror Show (Touring)

Monday 20th July 2026 at the Grand Theatre and Opera House, York

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Richard O’Brien’s iconic, crowd-pleasing (and teasing, for that matter) manic musical is back in York, dishing up irreverent, bonkers fun. 

Christopher Luscombe directs the madness, corralling an energetic cast playing wild characters into various musical numbers to tell the tale of Janet and Brad. The sugary sweet pair face a chance encounter with the mysterious, charismatic Frank N Furter and his other-worldly minions – or “phantoms” as they’re termed, and find themselves transformed with all inhibitions whisked away.

All the iconic sights and sounds are here, from Hugh Durrant’s panto-esque, shoe-string set design, Sue Blane’s saucy costume designs (with many audience members mirroring them right back, naturally), Gareth Owen’s cheeky sound design and Nathan M Wright’s enveloping, inviting choreography which so beautifully accompanies Richard Hartley’s musical arrangements. It’s near impossible to leave this show without helplessly humming “Time Warp” and “Sweet Transvestite”…dance move optional until you reach the safety of home.

The current cast are a lively bunch led confidently by Stephen Webb who is excellent as a particularly growly Frank N Furter, complete with potent stage presence and a constant state of relish. James Bisp and Haley Flaherty are a perfect Brad and Janet, guiding us through their stark awakenings with cracking musical numbers and enjoyably hammy scandalised innocence. Morgan Jackson is Rocky  and rivals Bisp and Flaherty with his wide-eyed innocence, doing a great job of marrying Rocky’s vacancy with his gradual glimpses of independent thought.

Laura Bird is a top side-kick to Frank as Megenta – a scowling, sultry, smirking caricature joined by Ryan Carter-Wilson as the endearingly odd Riff Raff, and the pair nail that other-worldly edge. It should also be noted that at this particular performance Bethany Amber Perrins did a phenomenal job of taking over from Daisy Steere mid-show, bringing impressive zany energy as Columbia.

And finally, ring master to the circus is Jackie Clunes as a truly fantastic narrator. Clunes offers up a charismatic sardonic edge and whip-smart rebuttals and gentle mockeries to the enthusiastic heckling from die-hard fans in the audience.

So, The Rocky Horror Show confidently maintains its cult classic status and continues to leave fans very happy – if you’re a returning fan, you won’t be disappointed; if you’re new to the show – go prepared for fun and nonsense and hold on tight.

The Rocky Horror Show is at the Grand Theatre and Opera House, York until July 25th 2026 – more information and tickets can be found here.