Are you ready to do the Time Warp again?!
Invited| Review by Robyn Watson
The cast of The Rocky Horror Picture Show delivered a wild, raucous and tantalising experience throwing us into a world of complete chaos. A jam packed show filled with giggles, fierce choreography and stunning vocals promised to be the wildest night out the Hippodrome has seen for a very long time. Strap in and be prepared to be transported to a night of utter thrills.
The iconic The Rocky Horror Picture Show has taken to Darlington’s Hippodrome this week and from the audience reaction and participation last night, it is very clear that this is not one to miss. I adored the iconic costumes and I don’t think there is another show quite like this where the audience base thrives on dressing up to attend. From Columbia’s iconic top hat and hot pants to Magenta’s maid costume the audience were on top form paying tribute to the show’s iconic history. There was an excited buzz in the crowd ready for the show to begin. It was a slightly later start time of 8pm which was a nice change from rushing around, we were able to enjoy the Hippodrome’s atmosphere and the drinks. They have a special cocktail at the moment called the Sweet Transvestite and I can attest to the fact it was absolutely delicious!
From the very first moment of the show, staging and lighting was used to maximum impact. It has to have been one of my favourite lighting plots I have ever seen for a show. I particularly adored the use of spotlights, the disco balls mirroring throughout the entirety of the venue, the green strobe lights sending us to outer space and the iconic Frank-n-Furter adorned in red floodlights. Every element was thought about and carried out so well to fit in with our Sci Fi Double Feature. A terrific job plotting this from Lighting Designer – Nick Richings.
Usherette played by Natasha Hoebergis did a stellar job of opening the show with Science Fiction/ Double Feature. She had the most wonderful facial expressions and this matched the role perfectly. She also perfectly played Magenta with sexuality oozing out of every pore. Her brother sidekick Riff Raff was played by Jon Greuter who looked visually perfect for this role. He had one of the stand out voices of the show for me and his solo during Over at Frankenstein’s place was truly stunning. He has carefully crafted this role and you can see the dedication to his stagecraft having the physical elements perfected – that walk must be difficult to keep up throughout the entire show!
Once that curtain had peeled back the most wonderful staging appeared with the idyllic house and car where we laid eyes upon Brad and Janet- our young and very in love couple. Janet was played by Lauren Chia and Brad was understudy Alex Hetherington. These two have some of the most iconic songs within the show and started with a bang with Dammit Janet. The choreography throughout this number was equal parts adorable and funny and the pair sang perfectly together. Lauren had the sickly sweet character nailed down with her annoying laugh and twee mannerisms. She has such a spectacular voice and made those high notes look effortless. Alex, as a swing, did a truly stellar job and really suited those glasses! I loved Janet’s rendition of Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me and Brad’s version of Once in a While. A real pivotal change in plot within the show and they performed the hell out of these songs.
I particularly loved the Narrator’s audience banter and the realness she brought to the role. Everything seemed so authentic when she was delivering this script and she never lost her nerve even whilst being continually heckled! Nerves of steel from Jackie Clune who is clearly a seasoned veteran of the stage.
We were transported into the castle of our beloved Frank-n-Furter and crew and this is where the craziness really does begin with a bang and the iconic Time Warp plays. The choreography was a smash hit as they stuck to the classic dance moves everyone knows – people love comfort and I love that they stuck to their guns during this song. During Time Warp Columbia, played by Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli tapped her way across the stage and gave huge amounts of character and stage presence. Her voice was wonderful and she has one of the most expressive albeit manic faces I have ever seen on stage!
It was finally time to meet our Sweet Transvestite and we were so lucky to see local legend Adam Strong take on the iconic and mammoth role of Frank-n-Furter. This role is no mean feat and is a truly special part to be able to perform. I was lucky enough to see Adam play Jafar in Aladdin so I knew he had a special voice but wow, he exceeded all expectations last night. He burst onto the stage with immense stage presence and wowed the audience with those long legs. Personally, I am so pleased I got to see him in this role as I know Jason Donavan is also touring across the UK tour but please do not let this put you off. Adam delivered comedy in bucket loads mastering the strong and fearless side of Frank. His rendition of Sweet Transvestite was a sight to behold with that powerful voice. However, for me, his version of I’m Going Home was spine tingling. It brought tears to my eyes and you could feel the passion, vulnerability and soul within his voice. He was born to play this role.
He introduced us to his man machine next and the spectacular Morgan Jackson bounded onto stage with his incredible physique and energy. Every time he flexed his bicep the audience were in the palm of his hand, he had such a stunning voice too alongside being a wonderful dancer. I felt myself drawn to him during all of the dance numbers with his high energy power and the backflips certainly helped too
One of my favourite scenes had to be the bed scene at the beginning of Act Two, so naughty and on the nose you can’t help but laugh – or be horrified. I will leave that one upto you! The scenery was so cleverly made and used on stage. I always love the stand up beds but it does leave me wondering just how many of them managed to fit inside there – a true magic trick! The scenery throughout the show is just wonderful and I loved the film reel across the top of the stage which our characters often peered out of and we got to see our amazing band. Some of the instrumentals gave such classic rock vibes and I love that we were able to see the live band performing them. My only critique of the evening is that at times, the band were very loud and it was hard to hear some of the singing especially for someone who hasn’t seen the show before.
The costumes throughout the show were tremendous too. Perfectly fitting especially the red lingerie at the end.
A special shout out to the Phantom’s who sang harmonies so beautifully and provided a really well rounded sound throughout the performance. Ryan Carter Wilson, Arthur James, Hollie Nelson and Erica Wild did a terrific job of moving the scenery too- very slick and well rehearsed.
What a fun evening at the Hippodrome seeing The Rocky Horror Picture Show! It is on for the rest of the week at the wonderful venue and certainly has not lost its charm! This timeless classic seems to still captivate the hearts of so many to this day and I can see why. It was like an explosion of power and chaos on stage and made for truly wonderful viewing. So my next question – when can I go and see it again? I cannot wait to become a true mega fan now – I might even rock the top hat next time – I think I will give the suspenders a miss though!