Premiering the new production of a piece with cult status is always risky as the followers will always compare the work to the original. In this case, the 1975 movie adaptation of The Rocky Horror Show (which actually premiered on stage two years earlier) sets a world-class standard. Nevertheless, Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre was at capacity for opening night, with many revellers costumed as their favourite characters. This new production began life in the UK in December 2012 and has travelled extensively through the UK. Brisbane is the first Australian city to see the 40thanniversary production.
The cast of only twelve – led brilliantly by Craig McLachlan as Dr Frank-N-Furter – were the saving grace in this production that overall left me a little underwhelmed. Firstly, I question why there were only 12 players depicting this homage to science fiction and B-grade movies of the past. The iconic ‘Time Warp’ scene, although musically strong, felt a little light with only four ‘phantoms’ as guests at Dr Frank-N-Furter’s affair. The five-piece band delivered Richard O’Brien’s iconic score brilliantly. However, I had to question their position above the set on stage. Over the last decade, we’ve seen far more musicals embedding the musicians into the set, often affectively. These musicians were barely visible and hence their inclusion simply limited the capabilities of the set, leaving me to think the decision was made to allow additional seating capacity with no need for the pit.
Iconic moments from the film such as Frank’s arrival in the lift were emitted, leaving a lone door up stage centre as the focus for many key scenes. The entire set is framed by the oversized film reel – illustrating the producer’s decision to align this new production closely to timeless film version – however to me it didn’t work. The lighting was suitably rock-and-roll, but to an audience member in the stalls, at times it felt a little like an assault from above.
Costuming and makeup were true to the original, aside from Rocky’s briefs which changed from the metallic gold of earlier productions to a leopard print. Not only did the performers look like Brad, Janet, Riff Raff and the characters we know so well, they also portrayed them skilfully. Tim Maddren and Christie Whelan Browne as Brad and Janet respectively embodied all that this naïve young couple represent, while delivering O’Briens score brilliantly. Erika Heynatz continued to show her diversity as an outstanding Magenta; Tony Farrell delivered a classy narrator; and Kristian Lavercombe, with the daunting task of portraying Riff Raff in front of Richard O’Brien (the original hunch back servant) did so superbly. Nicholas Christo stole the stage as Eddie, but I struggled with his adaptation of Dr Scott with a distinctive lack of the characters German accent, not to mention a substantial age difference. For a production whose tickets sales are almost guaranteed by way of its cult status, I question why budget decisions leading to an overly small cast and underwhelming production values were made at the expense of this wonderful piece.
Be that as it may, 2000 people stood and joined in the reprise of the ‘Time Warp’ and left the theatre with a spring in their step and a renewed love of their favourite musical. I was just thankful that the cast gave their all and held this show together, albeit one that was severely let down by underwhelming production values.
Rating: Two-and-a-half stars of five
The Rocky Horror Show
rockyhorror.com.au
Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane
8 January – 9 February
Additonal dates:
14 February – 9 March, Crown Theatre, Perth
20 March – 11 April, 2014, Festival Theatre, Adelaide
24 April – 15 June, Comedy Theatre, Melbourne
