It was not too long ago that Rocky Horror was considered a shocking & explicit dark fantasy, tiptoeing it's fishnet clad legs along that line between reality and... the rest; a transgressive piece of musical theatre exploring sexuality and the loss of innocence. These themes remain, but, if it were rewritten today, the shows transsexual's would no longer hide under the guise of an alien existence- the contemporary audience (if ticket sales and standing ovations are anything to go by) are all too willing too accept Frank and his cohorts- just. as. they. are. And, come the finale, there was more then one audience member with a glint in their eye that just screamed "Beam me on back to your planet, Riff Raff!". But they were not hiding to begin with, they were simply satirising the culture of B grade science fiction flicks, right? Script aside, this latest offering of the cult classic, directed by Gale Edwards, uses a formula of a simple set plus a brilliant, attractive (and-waxed-to-within-an-inch-of-their-lives) local cast to add a dash of glam and a whole lot of fun. The result is a two and a half hour party; sexy and exciting: a spectacle in every sense.

As the story goes, Frank n Furter, the sweet transvestite, and his delightful minions; Riff Raff, Magenta and Columbia, have left their dark, sexually outrageous and oh so glamorous existence on the the planet Transsexual, to come to Earth. Introduce the very epitome of purity; the all American sweethearts, Brad & Janet. What follows is several hours of titillating, sexual awakening. The ultimate tale about the loss of innocence, if you like.

iOTA is a much hyped local talent and he certainly proves his worth in this role. As this productions answer to Tim Curry, he steps into those glittery stilettos oozing a sexy charisma and confident charm. Commanding his audience with equal measures of bold passion and raw energy- his audience and fellow Transylvanian's alike observe an excited, yet slightly fearful subservience to their bold leader.

A nod of acknowledgment must go out to Simon Farrow and Kellie Rode for their rendition of Toucha Toucha Touch Me. The two make a most attractive and sizzling pairing, so much so that one would be forgiven for wondering where to look - has there ever been such a remarkably well built Rocky and, for that matter, Janet (hows about those abs Ms Rode?!)? This scene is enough to give the audience their very own sexual awaking as it confronts one with the question of just who is more of a picture of perfection: the once innocent, yet now perfectly vampy young Janet, or the adorably daft tanned Adonis that is Rocky?

As for the rest of the cast; As Magenta, Tamsin Carrol is suitably strong in her annunciation and bold in her characterisation. Her rendition of Science Fiction Double Feature is compelling. Sharon Millerchip complements Carrol with her energetic depiction of the zany Columbia. She is simply adorable. Michael Cormick is much acclaimed and as he rocks out as Eddie, it's not difficult to see why. He proves impressive versatility in his other role, Dr Frank. Paul Capsis's Riff Raff
is spot on; creepy with disloyal intentions. Brad Walters, a character apparently difficult to cast for this production, is played Andrew Bevis who is suitably naive and straight laced.

John Waters puts in a solid performance as the narrator, as expected. His dialogue haunting, during the final scene. Catching a glimpse of Waters in red satin knickers and heels for the Time Warp at curtain also deserves an honourable mention. He has legs that would make most women envious! And finally the phantom chorus: prowling the theatre, even before the curtain is drawn, they set a mood of excitement and naughtiness. Risque, glamorous and utterly delightful!

Worth every cent of the ticket price. This production is an absolute thrill a second. Sensational from cast to costuming! A must see for seasoned fans and Rocky virgins, alike.

Related Video

Interview on Mornings (Australian talk show) with the cast.