The Rocky Horror Show

Review by Nathan Valvo

If you are a young adult like me, and mention The Rocky Horror Show to your parents, you will no doubt have to take a seat and pretend to listen for the next 10 minutes as they share the story of how they "were your age when Rocky Horror was first released" and how it "shocked audiences around the world".

Your parents are not lying to you - when the film version was released (as one of the worlds first "Midnight Movies" ) it's themes of sexual promiscuity and trans-gender characters caused a wave of bad reviews and initial poor box office performances.

Fast forward to 2008 and the film is widely known for its "cult" status and, amazingly, is the longest running release in film history - with a limited release to cinemas still screening around the world today!

It truly is a Rocky Horror phenomenon!

But the movie we have all seen (and loathed or loved) is a screen adaptation of Richard OBrien's original stage production which has just begun its three month run in Melbourne.

Arriving at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre, you can not help but become swept up in the excitement and sense of fun that comes with Rocky Horror.

I witnessed a 40-year-old over weight man, a group of middle aged females, and even a young guy with his parents... all decked out in fish net stockings.

The "Rocky Horror phenomenon" has certainly hit a cord with many generations it seems, and tonight there is a chance to unite and do the time warp again.

As the lights go down the audience are already rowdy, warmly welcoming the opening track Science Fiction sung by the fantastic Tasmin Carrol.

A rocking adventure then begins.

Brad (Andrew Bevis) and Janet (Kellie Rode) are a young love struck couple who's car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. To seek refuge they ring the bell of a near by castle to use the phone, it is there they are met by the creepy Riff Raff (Paul Capsis) who soon invites the naive couple to "come inside" as "they have arrived on a rather special night, the master is having one of his affairs".

We are then introduced to Magenta (Tasmin Carrol - gold star for quick costume changes) and Columbia (Lisa Adam) two of the weird and wacky inhabitants of the castle and (before you can take another sip of your beer in a plastic cup) the entire cast are belting out the Time Warp.

This high voltage number brings the house down and sets the bar for what is about to come... the arrival of Frank N Furter!

iOTA's entrance on stage as the worlds most famous "Sweet Transvestite" instantly has the audience eating of his hands. It soon becomes clear that iOTA's stage presence, comic timing, and incredible voice are the driving force behind this entire show - his performance is not to be missed.

The audience then witnesses the birth of Frank N Furter's perfectly constructed Rocky (Simon Farrow) - while attracting wolf whistles from the drunk aunties in the audience, vocally he struggles to match the high standard set by the superb talent surrounding him.

The story continues as we witness our two leading lovers fall apart and lose their identity in this surreal world of drugs, sex and rock'n'roll... with an ending that is literally out of this world!

The Rocky Horror fable is by no means believable, and the material is not as shocking as it was when it premiered over 30 years ago - but Director Gale Edwards pulls focus to the shows main ingredient - its high energy and fantastic soundtrack.

My advise is to book with a group of friends, get dressed up, have a drink or three, and go see The Rocky Horror Show - and if you don't like it... well, the exit is just a jump to the left.

4 out of 5

The Rocky Horror Show
Musical Director: Luke Hunter
Choreographer: John O'Connell
Director: Gale Edwards
Official Site: www.rockyhorror.com.au