The 50th-anniversary tour of Richard O'Brien's
The Rocky Horror Show kicked off its Sydney premiere with rainbow-coloured fireworks.
I remember the first time I watched the film with my bestie in our early teens, the soundtrack had left an indelible mark. Fifty years on, it's a show that transcends time with its endearing characters and outrageously fun content.
The Rocky Horror Show Australia 2023 - Time Warp - Pic Credit Daniel Boud
Opening at London's Royal Court Theatre on June 19, 1973, the show developed a cult following before being adapted into the 1975 film The Rocky Horror Show Picture Show. Iconic comes to mind when you hear about its theatre history defying decades and growth in popularity.
The extraordinarily talented cast is led by theatre star
Jason Donovan in the coveted role of Frank N Furter whose bisexuality is worn as a badge of honour. Donovan reprises his role again of Dr Frank N Furter which he played in the UK for the 25th-anniversaryf tour.
Donovan is truly astonishing as he struts, pouts, croons his way into the audience's hearts and dominates the stage with his perfectly timed comical nuisances and that velvety voice. He's the star who has the crowd cheering wildly even if the next generation didn't grow up knowing Donovan from his Neighbours' days. Shock horror how is that possible?
Jason Donovan as Frank N Furter - Pic credit Ellen Hird
A naive couple
Deidre Khoo as Janet,
Ethan Jones as Brad play their pivotal roles well, caught up in a situation they don't quite understand, their voices match strongly and complement in both solo and in duet.
Brad and Janet - Pic credit Ellen Hird
was ravishing in his role as Riff Raff, his energy and polished performance was a sight to see. From The Voice to living the dream,
Stellar Perry is Magenta and the usherette and is just as enthralling to watch.
Riff Raff and Magenta - Pic credit Ellen Hird
beautifully taps her way to play Columbia, and Eddie and Dr Scott are wonderfully played by
Ellis Dolan. Rocky is
Loredo Malcolm whose rippling muscle-bound torso is eye-catching. The narrator is played by quick-witted Myf Warhurst who handled hecklers and added flow to the scenes. Completing the cast of phantoms, is
Josh Gate, Catty Hamilton, Jackson Reedman, Erica Wild, Keane Fletcher, and Kristina McNamara.
The cast of the Rocky Horror Show vamp it up - Pic credit Ellen Hird
The set design by
Hugh Durrant is perfectly suited for an intimate performance. Lighting by
Nick Richings hits the mark adding to the ominous atmosphere with laser lights.
It was more sexually charged than I remember, the suggestiveness oozed at every opportunity. With its colourful attired audience where crowd participation is mandatory, there's no better mix for a fabulous night out.
Perhaps it is because it's so familiar, the audience stays immensely excited throughout the show. The dynamic band will have your feet tapping, hips swinging and singing along to classics like
Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet, I can make you a man, Touch-a Touch-a Touch me, and of course
Time Warp.
Just as millions of people, all over the world have seen the show, The Rocky Horror show remains marvellously fun and with a running time of just 2 hours, you'll be wishing for more.
The Rocky Horror Show plays at the
Theatre Royal until 31 March. It then plays the
Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne from 18 May and the
Festival Theatre, Adelaide from 13 April.
