REVIEW: Rocky Horror Show at Sunderland Empire

Rocky Horror Show 

Sunderland Empire

Until Saturday 24 January 2026

Is there a greater cure for the January blues than a night at the theatre? Surely not, and cures don’t come much better than a night out watching Richard O’Brien’s cult classic Rocky Horror Show on stage. Having celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, Rocky Horror shows no signs of slowing down - indeed, the 2025-26 tour proves that the show manages to stay incredibly fresh. 

Stephen Webb [Frank-N-Furter] 

Built around freshly-engaged innocents Janet and Brad and their accidental trip to Frank-N-Furter’s castle and the craziness that ensues, the beauty of Rocky Horror is that you know what you’re going to get - it’s hilarious, it’s sexy and it’s ridiculous. Its cult classic status is built partially on the fact that, unlike most shows, where anyone singing along next to you is rightfully shunned, with Rocky Horror, audience participation is not only encouraged, it’s part of the show. The audience, even on a rainy Monday night in Sunderland, are well versed in all the usual call outs, never leaving an innuendo unsaid or missing an opportunity to slander Brad and Janet. 

 Nathan Caton [Narrator]

The show remains ever faithful to the original musical and to the masterpiece film, and yet, despite the predictability and the fact that large sections of the audience know the piece inside out, this production manages to feel modern and refreshed. The iconic role of the Narrator plays no small part in this, with stand-up comedian Jackie Clune masterfully taking the audience through the story with a solid helping of Donald Trump jokes, self-deprecating humour and a heavy sprinkling of sarcasm. 

What also helps with the fresh feeling of the current production is the mix of experience and fresh blood in the tour cast. Perhaps more than any other touring show, people who star in Rocky Horror tend to spend a fair time involved, with Kristian Lavercombe famously starring in the show over 2600 times. So iconic has Lavercombe’s portrayal of Riff Raff become, I admit I was hesitant to see anyone else step into his shoes (or perhaps into his jacket), but Ryan Carter-Wilson is a brilliant successor. He brings a lighter, younger feel to the role, and is wonderfully complimented by the brilliant vocals and stage presence of Laura Bird as Riff’s sister Magenta. 

L-R_ Ryan Carter-Wilson (Riff Raff), Stephen Webb (Frank-N-Furter), Edward Bullingham (Dr. Scott), Nathan Caton (Narrator), Daisy Steere (Columbia), Laura Bird (Magenta). 

Another newcomer to Rocky Horror, though by no means an inexperienced actor, is James Bisp as Brad. Bisp’s vocal and comedic performances were a real strength of the performance, embodying the awkwardness of Brad from bespectacled head to stilettoed toe. He is partnered by seasoned performer, Haley Flaherty, who has been playing the wide-eyed Miss Weiss since 2015. Flaherty is not simply perfect for the part - she is Janet. Every word, every movement is perfectly crafted to tell the story of how the innocent Janet quickly descends into a creature of the night. Her interpretation is the perfect homage to Susan Sarandon’s portrayal in the film and is an absolute joy to watch. 

L-R  Haley Flaherty (Janet), James Bisp (Brad)

There is, of course, no Rocky Horror without the central figure of Frank-N-Furter. For film fans, it may feel nigh on impossible to imagine anyone but Tim Curry as Frank, but Stephen Webb has crafted his own truly iconic version of Frank since first taking on the role in 2018. His stage presence is exceptional, and there is not a moment he is on the stage that you aren’t immediately drawn to him. From his initial entrance in Sweet Transvestite to his genuinely moving performance of I’m Going Home, his charisma and range keep the show moving at pace. 

L-R Ryan Carter-Wilson (Riff Raff), Laura Bird (Magenta).

The ensemble cast round out a talented bunch, with tight dance numbers and a genuine joy and vivacity that infects the audience. A special mention to Daisy Steere, who manages to capture the unhinged extremes of Columbia with such energy. Between an excellent cast, a wonderful band and the pure hilarity of it all, there is very little to complain about. My one gripe would be that the mix at the Empire once again did not seem to be quite right, with some lyrics slipping away under the sounds of the band, but with something as visually entertaining as Rocky Horror, I lean towards forgiving the occasional muffled line. 

L-R_ Morgan Jackson (Rocky), Daisy Steere (Columbia), Edward Bullingham (Eddie)

Whilst it isn’t necessarily a show for those who don’t enjoy crude humour - more so for the comments made by the audience rather than the performance itself - Rocky Horror continues to weave a ridiculous story into something truly special. Whether you are a seasoned Rocky Horror fan and have your fishnets at the ready, or if you’d just like to see what all the fuss is about, the current touring production breathes fresh life into the story, and is certainly worth a visit. As Frank-N-Furter himself might say, don’t dream it - see it. 

Review: Hannah Daglish

Photos: David Freeman

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Tickets:

The Rocky Horror Show plays at Sunderland Empire Theatre from Monday 19 - Saturday 24 January 2026. Tickets are available from ATG TICKETS link. 

Please note: this show contains adult content.