Rocky Horror Show – REVIEW
Image: "Time Warp", Rocky Horror Show cast, Theatre Royal 2023. Image: Daniel Boud
The 50th anniversary production of Rocky Horror Show opened at Sydney’s Theatre Royal on Saturday night and proved this iconic musical still has a few seasons left in her. Playing to a crowd that was primed and champing at the bit, the cast unleashed nervous energy, reinvigorating time-hewn characters and clearly prepared for the kind of audience interaction that is intrinsic to this show.
Perhaps more than any other musical, the casting of the lead role – Frank n Furter – is pivotal to the success of Rocky Horror Show. Tim Curry created the prototype with his depiction of Frank in the film adaptation, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and comparisons have been made ever since.
Jason Donovan would be about as far from that prototype as you could get, presumedly, but with heels, wig, suspenders, bustier, and an earnest, intelligent approach, he utterly became the diabolical master of the castle. Donovan was in very fine voice, achieving emotional and dynamic range that allowed him to tear up the auditorium with “Sweet Transvestite” and “Wise Up Janet Weiss” then bring it to solemn silence with “I’m Going Home”.
His playful quirks and unselfconscious freedom with facial expressions showed that he was going to own the role and stamp his brand on it.
Myf Warhurst as the Narrator was another surprise casting choice; normally it’s an elder, white, pompous male. Warhurst is none of those things, but she is endearing and truly loved by the public. When she got heckled by an errant audience member she was ready with a sharp retort and received an approving cheer.
Ethan Jones as Brad Majors and Deirdre Khoo as Janet Weiss are very sweet, with the right degree of vulnerable naiveté to make their gradual corruption believable.
Apart from playing the key role of Magenta, which she does with a deliciousness that makes you wish it was a bigger part, Stellar Perry also sings the opening and closing tune, “Science Fiction”, alone on stage in a ‘50s waitress outfit. She’s got stage presence and a voice that augers an exciting career.
Riff Raff was played by writer/composer, Richard O’Brien himself in the film adaptation and is one of the coveted roles in this show. Henry Rollo is rubbery, devious, and feret-like and perfect in this part. He plays to the edge of caricature yet maintains a dark, malevolence.
Darcey Eagle is a cute, impish Columbia, tap-dancing one moment, feeling like an abandoned waif the next.
Ellis Dolan does double time, rocking out with gusto as Eddie, then being reserved and academic as wheelchair-bound Dr Scott.
Going agains the conventional casting of a white, blonde-haired, blue-eyed pretty boy is Loredo Malcom as Rocky. He brings humour, charm and some very defined muscle to the role.
The set is clever; detailed but not elaborate, easily convertible, with a kind of kitschy, comic-book aesthetic. Lighting and special effects are used sparingly and are all the more impressive when they are employed.
This is a very enjoyable production that should satisfy die-hard fans and newcomers, and it’s a fitting homage to the half-century old musical.
