Reviewed by Jody Miller
The Rocky Horror Show 50th Anniversary Tour has opened at the Theatre Royal Sydney and I see you shiver with Antici–Pation.
The Rocky Horror Show is one of Sydney’s finest theatrical nights out, an absolute banger of a show asking us to ‘Give yourself over to absolute pleasure’ and that they succeeded in.
This show is the boldest party bash of them all, ready to thrill fans and audiences alike with cheeky fun and nostalgia. Whether it’s your first time seeing the show or the twenty first time, or whether you dress up or not, The Rocky Horror Show delivers on its promise of a guaranteed party!
It tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank’n’Furter an extra-terrestrial mad scientist from the galaxy of Transylvania where people really like to party! It’s an adventure they’ll never forget, with fun, frolics, frocks and frivolity, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits. Written and created by Richard O’Brien, The Rocky Horror Show has become one of the world’s favorite musicals and is currently the only contemporary rock musical to celebrate 50 years on stage.
Jason Donovan, who plays a dominating Frank N Furter, steals the stage with his demanding presence and powerhouse vocals. He fiercely portrays his character, being missed every time he leaves the stage. Deirdre Khoo and Ethan Jones make a loveable Janet and Brad, starting the show off with ‘Dammit Janet’ to a high standard which does not drop throughout the production. Stand out performances come from Stellar Perry as Magenta, Henry Rollo as Riff Raff and Darcey Eagle as Columbia who are comedic in their high energy roles leaving the audience wanting more.
Crowd favorite was Loredo Malcolm, as a clothless Rocky who seamlessly belts notes while tumbling across the stage and showing off his physic.
The ensemble consisted of 4 very strong performers, each performer matching the vast amount of energy and intensity on stage, who were phenomenally choreographed by Nathan M. Wright whose choreography was versatile and prominent, especially within the ensemble’s movement, perfectly capturing the extra-terrestrial party life.
Leading the creative team is the talented Christopher Luscombe, who directs this edgy show with precision, aligned with the phenomenal design of Hugh Durrants’ set, Nick Richings superior lighting design and Gareth Owen’s Sound design. A perfect combination of creatives bringing a coherent and fresh take to The Rocky Horror Show and a real sensory visual journey throughout the show.
Musical Director Jack Earle works alongside four musicians in the band, who rocked out above the set becoming part of the scenery, visible to the audience, a privilege and joy for audience members.
Whether you are a die-hard fan of the movie or wish to relive this iconic Rock ‘n’ Roll musical, there is a lot to love about this high-energy show! The Rocky Horror Show is one not to be missed and is currently playing a strictly limited season in Sydney until April 1 before seasons at Adelaide Festival Theatre from April 13 and Melbourne’s Atheneum Theatre from May 18. Tickets on sale now at rockyhorror.com.au
The 50th Anniversary Production stars Australian superstars Jason Donovan as Frank N Furter, and Myf Warhurst as The Narrator. Joining them is Stellar Perry as Magenta, Ellis Dolan as Eddie/Dr Scott, Darcey Eagle as Columbia, Ethan Jones as Brad, Deirdre Khoo as Janet, Loredo Malcolm as Rocky and Henry Rollo as Riff Raff. Starring alongside them on stage as The Phantoms is Josh Gates, Catty Hamilton, Jackson Reedman and Erica Wild, Keane Fletcher and Kristina McNamara round out the cast as the Swings.
The Rocky Horror Show creative team includes Director Christopher Luscombe, Set Designer Hugh Durrant, Costume Designer Sue Blane, Choreographer Nathan M Wright, Lighting Designer Nick Richings, Music Richard Hartley (original musical arrangements).
The Rocky Horror Show is now playing at the Theatre Royal Sydney
For more details and tickets: rockyhorror.com.au
Photo credit: Daniel Boud
