The Rocky Horror Show

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW caused PETE’S EYEBROWS to form a CATERPILLAR ARCH

The Dramatic Premise

You probably already know the story…

Brad and Janet are a nerdish, newly engaged couple. Their car breaks down on a dark and rainy night and they seek refuge in a castle where a party is already rocking and rolling. They are ‘welcomed’ by the long-haired butler, Riff Raff, and the maid, Magenta.

Just moments later – and not even twenty minutes into the show – the cast break into The Time Warp (again) followed by the immediate introduction of a sweet transvestite named Frank N Furter.

From then on it’s simply endless mayhem with allusions to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, cabaret shows and B-grade movies infused, throughout, with sexual high jinks a plenty…and a plot twist involving aliens which I still don’t quite understand!

Standout Performances 

Jason Donovan was a revelation as Frank N Furter.

Some roles will always connect with an audience. Think Anita in West Side Story or Elder Cunningham in The Book of Mormon.

But the expectations are high and there’s an infinite chasm below for the performer who missteps.

Donovan did a terrific job. He was fully immersed in his outrageous character and he made it his own.

I must also make special mention of Myf Warhurst as the narrator.

She playing her role with mischievous good humour, riffed in real time with heckling from the audience and, generally, just really enjoyed herself.

Ms Warhurst must surely be a national treasure.

The Moment

Doing the Time Warp again. Enough said!

For more information about the 50^th anniversary, nation-wide, tour of the Rocky Horror Picture Show:

The Rocky Horror Show | Sydney 2023

(Originally posted on 27 March 2023.)