Theatre Review: The Rocky Horror Show at The Bristol Hippodrome
The Show: The Rocky Horror Show
Dates: Monday 13th July – Saturday 18th July 2026
Timing : 2 hours (including interval)
Rating: ★★★★★
Few musicals have built quite the cult following of The Rocky Horror Show, and from the moment I stepped into the Bristol Hippodrome, it was obvious why. The audience arrived ready to play their part, with costumes, call-backs and an infectious sense of excitement filling the theatre long before the curtain rose. As someone experiencing the show for the first time, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but it quickly became clear that this isn’t just a musical; it’s an event.
The production leans wholeheartedly into the chaos, with a cleverly designed set that constantly transforms and draws the audience into the action. Rather than simply acting as a backdrop, the staging creates an immersive atmosphere that makes you feel part of the wonderfully bizarre world unfolding on stage. The cast were exceptional throughout. Every performance was bursting with energy, the vocals were outstanding, and each actor committed completely to the show’s wonderfully eccentric tone. There wasn’t a weak link on stage, and the live band brought an undeniable sense of excitement to every number.
Perhaps the biggest star of the evening, however, was the audience. The famous call-backs and shouted one-liners created a brilliantly interactive experience, but much of that success came down to Nathan Caton as the Narrator. His quick wit, impeccable comic timing and effortless rapport with the audience meant every interruption became another punchline, and I found myself laughing every time he stepped on stage. He embraced the unpredictability of the role brilliantly, keeping the show moving while making each exchange feel spontaneous and fresh. Even as a newcomer, it was impossible not to get swept up in the atmosphere.
My only criticism would be the sound engineering. While the band sounded fantastic, they were often mixed so loudly that the cast’s vocals became difficult to make out. As someone unfamiliar with the story, I occasionally found it hard to follow the plot because key lyrics and dialogue were lost beneath the music. It’s a small but noticeable issue in a show where the songs do so much of the storytelling.
Despite that, The Rocky Horror Show is an exhilarating night at the theatre. It’s loud, outrageous, and endlessly entertaining from start to finish. Whether you’re a long-time fan shouting every call-back or, like me, experiencing the madness for the first time, it’s a production that’s impossible not to have fun with.
Head to https://www.atgtickets.com/ to book tickets and explore what’s on.
For those wanting an extra special evening out, you can book your early dinner at The Square Club, nested away on leafy Berkeley Square, before heading down Park Street for your evening at the theatre. Guests who are headed to the theatre may also indulge in a complimentary cocktail with their meal as part of The Square Club’s pre-theatre dining offer.
