Writer: Richard O’Brien
Director: Christopher Luscombe
Like the iconic 1975 film, The Rocky Horror Show tells the tale of lovestruck Brad Majors and Janet Weiss who stumble across a gothic mansion full of ‘rich weirdos’. They soon meet transvestite Frank-N-Furter, and uncover a deliciously dark plot of murder, jilted lovers and aliens. This isn’t your reviewer’s first Rocky rodeo. Your reviewer is a regular Frankie fan and has seen many productions, so was looking to forward to this with great antici…pation.
In Joseph, Jason Donovan handed over the dreamcoat to a younger performer and took on the role of Pharaoh instead. Here though, he reprises a part he first played almost thirty years ago. Cleverly, he’s adapted the role to suit his age, and now plays Frank-N-Furter as a washed up coke-addled old queen. Donovan minces around with a skittish energy, and is the most unhinged Frank one has encountered. His evil laugh is to die for!
Vocally, initially he didn’t have the same strength as his co-stars, and Sweet Transvestite seemed a little under par. However, by the Floor Show in the second act he was on fine form. I’m Going Home is a triumph; delivered with both poignancy and power. Stunning.
Kristian Lavercombe has hung up his bald cap, and is no longer playing Riff Raff after thousands of performances across the globe. Job Greuter dons the padded-hunch and is smart to not imitate O’Brien or Lavercombe. Greuter has sharp vocals and some nice comic touches, and isn’t just any old Riff Raff. Morgan Jackson is the perfect Rocky; complete with rippling muscles, blonde hair and a tan. More than looks though, this Rocky can sing – and Jackson excels in The Sword of Damocles and Rose Tint my World/Floor Show.
Connor Carson’s Brad has nerdish charm in spades. A strong singer, he also has great comic timing – especially when thrust together with Frank. Lauren Chia as Janet nails the transition from innocent fiancé to curious woman of the world. She sings well too, and belts Super Heroes with ease. Both have excellent chemistry together and capture the wide-eyed overacting of the B-movie era.
Columbia (Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli) and Magenta (Natash Hoeberigs) are both strong, and each put their own stamp on the roles. They hold their own when they could easily be overshadowed by those with more stage time. Zanoncelli is a whirlwind of energy in her fast and frenetic tap solo.
Edward Bullingham rocks to Hot Patootie as Eddy, in a role pioneered by Meatloaf (yes, really!). He also plays Dr Scott, and milks the reveal of his silky stockinged pins. Nathan Caton’s Narrator is a sensation. Casting a stand up comedian is a smart choice, and that’s no joke. Caton gives as good as he gets, and snappily banters back with the quipping audience.
And quip they do. For the uninitiated, seeing The Rocky Horror Show on stage isn’t a passive experience. With its cult following, there’s an unwritten audience-participation script that the die-hard fans follow to the letter. The constant interruptions can seem like heckling, but don’t beckon the ushers over though – it’s all part of the Rocky vibe. The cast manage it well, and of course they expect it. Thankfully, this audience showed restraint in the more touch-a-touch-touching moments such as Brad’s Once in a While and Frank’s I’m Going Home.
In terms of design, this is largely the same production we’ve seen time and time again. ‘It Was Great When It All Began’, but this reviewer can’t help wishing they’d shake up the formula just a little, especially as the show celebrated fifty years in 2023.
That being said, there’s plenty of polish and pizzazz. Hugh Durrant’s stage is encircled by a film reel, and features cut-out flats reminiscent of a school production. Frank’s lab fizzles with electricity, and an upright bed welcomes naughty shenanigans that would make a gynaecologist blush.
Nick Richings’ lighting design dazzles in all the right ways. And a live band – led by musical director Josh Sood – brings the crowd-pleasing score to life. Fan favourites are all here, including The Time Warp which sees everyone up on their feet at the end.
Rocky Horror flies by in a haze of sequins, suspenders and smut. You’ll be thrilled and chilled with two hours of flirty, fabulous, toe-tapping fun. So dig out your glitzy heels, tighten that corset and prepare for a Rocky night ahead.
Don’t Dream It, Book It!
Runs until 30 November 2024
The Reviews Hub Score
Camp, fabulous fun!
