Review: The Rocky Horror Poetry Show @ The Rep, Birmingham - 30/10/25.

Words: Tom Pilkington

Images: Tyler Whiting

Bradley Taylor and M. L. Walsh's Big Gay Poetry Night goes all out for a queer, costumed Halloween fever dream of spoken-word, comedy, music, magic, and of course, odes to the The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which is evidently near and dear to the hearts of both the performers and the audience. Everyone here looks fabulous; a great mix of outfits and interpretations.

We begin the night with the time warp - obviously?! From the get-go it's all about audience participation, with two somewhat terrified members of the crowd brought up to judge the poetry open mic, which goes down a treat. Then it's on to first headliner, Toby Campion, whose set finds the perfect balance between striking and silly. Campion's use of Polari is particularly moving, as he brings the secret queer language into a modern context. Definitely check out the works of Toby Campion - you will not be disappointed!

Toby Campion

After a short interval, we are blessed with the weird and wonderful work of M. L. Walsh. From simultaneously funny and haunting songs about vegan bacon and relating to Radiohead's Creep despite your parents' love and support, to doing the splits whenever the moment does or doesn't call for it and eyeballing members of the audience, Walsh is a performer like no other - someone who you never know the next move or word of. All you can guarantee is feeling uncomfortable in the best way! Unique doesn't do it justice; you will not understand unless you see this material live, which I encourage everyone to do.

M. L. Walsh

Up next we have the back to back combo of magician Ed Quigley and poet/comedian Hester Durrant. Quigley impresses with a swagger which reminded me of Jarvis Cocker even before he directly cited the Pulp frontman as an influence. He has us squirming in our seats and gasping with amazement in no time, but still remains relatable and down to earth with the ol' reliable wobbly pencil! Durrant gets just as much love, with her blend of comedy and poetry providing a witty insight into the life of a trans Jew. My favourite piece of hers has to be Definitions, which subverts expectations with each and every line.

Ed Quigley

Hester Durrant

It has been a fantastic night, displaying the sheer amount of talent possessed by some of Birmingham's best queer writers and performers. And who better to end it than my current favourite Brummy poet; Bradley Taylor. Dressed in fishnets and a corset, he delivers both self-deprecation and heartfelt reflections on growing up queer, and wanting more than anything to be Frank from Rocky Horror. To no one's surprise, Taylor is as enigmatic as usual, ending with his now classic Got A Light?, which never fails to impress, and for me on this occasion, even causes a catch in the throat. Photos from his youth appear on screen as he performs, bringing humility and innocence to the drama and charisma. No matter the praise, the applause, or the awards, he still somewhat remains that young boy from South Birmingham, tasked with self-expression; something each one of us in the audience can no doubt relate to.

Bradley Taylor

But the overall message that carries throughout this evening, and is really driven home at the end, is the quintessential Frank quote, "don't dream it, be it". As much as we may be held back or restricted by our physical selves and surroundings, we will not stop being who we truly are. The Rocky Horror Poetry Show hit all the right spots: deeply insightful, hilariously bizarre, and euphoric in all the right ways. And, of course, there is no more fitting ending than the entire audience getting up to do the time warp again!

The Time Warp AGAIN!