The Rocky Horror Show returns to the Theatre Royal Sydney this year to celebrate 50 years since its original opening in 1973 and launched its classic cult status across the world. This time familiar and new faces take to the stage and bring the essential flamboyance that the narrative requires in this over-the-top production that stays true to its legacy.
The Narrator (Myf Warhurst) begins by introducing Brad (Ethan Jones) and Janet (Deirdre Khoo), the perfect couple who end up in the disturbing lair of Frank N Furter (Jason Donovan) and his kooky sidekicks Riff Raff (Henry Rollo), Magenta (Stellar Perry) and Columbia (Darcey Eagle). What ensues is a wild journey filled with sexual innuendo, violence, and festivities, with plenty of crazy twists and turns as the newly created Rocky (Loredo Malcolm) comes into the fold and changes things with Brad and Janet.
Sydney is no stranger to the Rocky Horror Show and the stakes are high for another production. In this show, the set design is limited, with bare-bones at times, but enhances the show when arriving at the old Frankenstein house with more props. Costume changes were sharp and set changes also flew by with ease.
Performances all around were strong, with particular mention to the dancing moments. Donovan shone as Frank N Furter, playing into his mischievous behavior, laughing wickedly and still leaving the audience wanting more. In fact, all performers leaned into the ad-libbing and improvisation, sometimes with the audience, and never felt overly rehearsed. Each singer brought something to their vocals and performance, in perfect harmony with the band. Eagle in particular did a phenomenal job with her tap dancing and stood out amongst the strong ensemble.
For a production like Rocky Horror, it’s easy to revert to the obvious but this rendition is fun, flamboyant, and still fascinates, while remaining true to the source material. It’s worth grabbing the fishnet stocking and singing along with the cast to the Time Warp…again.
Eden Caceda 