The Rocky Horror Show

IT IS wild, wacky and still wonderful even after all these years.  And for anyone who was around - like I was – in 1975 when the film came out and became something of an outrageous and outlandish cult, it was a trip down memory lane.

It has taken an awfully long time for this show to be made available on the non-professional circuit, and Townsville’s NQOMT snapped up the opportunity as soon as it was. This production was certainly well worth the wait.

From the atmospheric opening tribute to the campy horror science fiction B-movies (the inspiration for the whole show) to the entire audience on their feet joining into a finale of the Time Warp, it was fun from beginning to end. Some 50 years later it may not seem quite as outrageous as it was in the 1970s, but it remains one of the funniest, infectious and most entertaining nights out. This was made all the more enjoyable by a company who clearly relished every silly moment, and lapped up by a hugely receptive audience.

The show has become something of a cultural icon, and it would be a brave person indeed who would stray too far from something so clearly etched in the audience’s collective mind. To this end, director Bill Munro and his creative team have mounted a faithful reproduction of the original show, but with some creative (and hilarious) touches to add to the outlandish spectacle.

Thanks to the direction, every element worked and nothing was out of balance. It evoked many nostalgic memories of the original film (and for some the various stage productions). There was Kylie Ball’s choreography and Odette Baxter’s musical direction with the six-piece band giving exact renditions of the recordings we remember so well.

Of particular note was the vocal direction from Meghan Walsh, with terrific vocal work from individual performers and the entire ensemble. And of course the costumes! Bronwyn Creedy and her redoubtable team recreated the costumes with a sense of detail, colour and humour which made every corset and fish-net stocking work its magic!

In an affectionate nod to those B-movies of yore, the plot of course is simple. A young engaged couple break down in the rain near a castle inhabited by an odd group of people holding a strange party. They are introduced to the mad scientist and alien transvestite who hails from the planet Transsexual in the galaxy of Transylvania.

The plum role in this show will always be Dr.Frank-n-Furter, and Kevin Wright laid all potential comparisons to Tim Curry (and others) to rest. Wright brought to bear his enormous cabaret experience in manipulating an audience, and effectively underplayed the character. Instead of applying campy over-the-top theatrics, which would have spoiled the entire effect, he let the outrageousness of the plot and situation speak for itself. Of course, his much-antici…pated entrance with "Sweet Transvestite" was a show-stopper. One was always aware that he approached the role with that proverbial twinkle in his eye – or was it a sequin?

Patrick Quigley and Sarah Valinotti were a delight as the “earthlings” Brad and Janet. As Riff Raff, the hunchbacked ”faithful handyman”, Sam Taylor clearly enjoyed every minute with Mads Lindgren a terrific Columbia, and Jacob Martinez playing Rocky with great inherent humour.

In her two turns as the usherette at the beginning and as the eccentric Magenta, Alyssa Oliveri excelled.  Her vocals in both roles were spot on and her take on Magenta had scene-stealing potential.

Pulling the story together was Brent Lammas as the Narrator, and this is where the director’s creative variation reverberated so well. We are used to this character being a staid and conservative commentator on the events, but with each successive appearance, he appeared – like Elton John - in progressively more bizarre costumes.

Not a family show of course, but nonetheless a triumph for this theatre company – and guaranteed to be a box-office breaker.

Trevor Keeling

Photographs by Gary Harvey