Rocky Horror Show creator Richard O'Brien. Photo / file.
Rocky Horror Show creator Richard O'Brien. Photo / file.
WHAT: The Rocky Horror Show WHERE:Clarence Steet Theatre, Hamilton WHEN: October 6-November 5.
Like many people, I have seen The Rocky Horror show a number of times, in live theatre or at the movies. One of the most memorable was when the late Sir Rob Muldoon was starring as the narrator atChristchurch's Theatre Royal performances back in the 70s. And while I have enjoyed these shows as fun and entertainment, not one of them took me back on such a timewarp as much as David Sidwell and Hamilton Operatic Society's brilliant production and cast did on Saturday night.
The character-fuelled cast gave their all and as the song suggests, they did not dream it, they did it.
Sidwell's production was more raunchy, sexy and compelling than any other production I have seen. Following Magenta (Ruby Lyon's) cutesy, early role with opening song Science Fiction/Double Feature, it only took the the dragging-leg presence of Riff Raff played by a super-voiced Jonathan Martin to immediately bring in the cast and audience to combine in the fun of Time Warp.
By this time Brad and Janet played with confidence and surprise by Ben Thomas and Emma Carpenter knew they were in for a dark and mysterious journey of sorts.
Certainly the transformation of the innocent Janet into an eager, sexual creature during Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me was indeed a triumph that once again amplified the theme of the show to high levels of an-ti-ci PATION.
All the while the sweet-transvestite role of the masterful Frank N Furter was played with utmost authority by Russell Dixon.
His sense of pace, accentuation of key lines, ad-libs and his strong occasional sighs and facial expresssions were the hallmarks of an actor totally in command of his role.
Mention must also be made of the four Phantoms whose car-body creation was more than versatile. The combined voice-power of the cast, the fun feel of the show and Sonja McGirr-Garrett's cheeky choreography all added up to one exciting night in Transexual Translyvania where Y-fronts crossed with stockings and suspenders cast their magic spell on a most appreciative and eager audience who will no doubt be shivering with anticipation for a re-visit.
