Saturday night at the Apollo Theatre turns properly theatrical when *The Rocky Horror Picture Show* fills the screen and the audience joins in. This is the cult film as a shared ritual: dress up, bring your props, and expect the room to answer back. The bar opens at 6.45pm and the film starts at 7.30pm, so you have time to settle in before Frank-N-Furter arrives.
Newport’s Apollo suits this kind of night. It is small enough that you feel part of the room rather than lost in a multiplex, and the interactive format rewards people who like a bit of theatre with their cinema. If you have never done a Rocky Horror screening before, do not overthink the costume. Lipstick, fishnets, a lab coat or nothing more daring than a feather boa all count. The pleasure is in the collective silliness.
Tickets are £10. Book through the Apollo Theatre or call (01983) 210010. For more theatre and screening events on the Isle of Wight, the Apollo’s summer programme mixes opera, NT Live and nights like this that pull a loyal local crowd.
