Review: Rocky Horror Show at the Opera House is “an experience like no other, and not to be missed”

While waiting in line, there are people dressed in fabulous corsets, heels, and stockings.

Everyone looks fantastic and straight away I feel underdressed.

As we make our way to our seats, the theatre is packed to the rafters with fans of the show and film, and there is a palpable excitement in the air.

Everyone is familiar with this absolute classic, comfortable, and ready to enjoy a brilliant evening of fun.

The atmosphere was joyous, and that was before the show had even begun.

For someone who hasn’t seen the original, I have to say I was so excited.

The curtains pull back and Suzie McAdam enters the stage as Usherette.

She starts by singing Science Fiction/ Double Feature and my, what a voice!

She finishes the song and reveals Haley Flaherty (Who plays Janet) and Richard Meek (Who plays Brad).

The amazing and hilarious narrator (Reece Budin) enters the stage to tell us the story and answers many, many heckles.

From research, it is known that fans will shout out during the show as a form of audience participation.

They have done it since the film came out in 1975 and fans have done it ever since.

Their car breaks down and they proceed to go into Frank N Furter’s castle but his phantoms and Riff Raff (Kristian Lavercombe) greet them.

He gets many loud cheers and given by the many fans dressed as him, I believe he is a fan favourite.

The cast starts to sing The Time Warp and that gets everyone on their feet. Budin enters the stage with a play-by-play of the moves so that everyone can join. I don’t think there is a single person who isn’t on their feet at this point.

The reveal of Frank N Furter is one hell of an entrance. Stephen Webb looks exquisite in his corset and stocking with suspenders.

It’s a look and I love it. He sings his song Sweet Transvestite with Nathan Wright’s exotic choreography leading the dancers.

Webb is easily a highlight and the audience is transfixed by him. He Carrie himself with a swag that commands the stage.

His out-of-this-world personality keeps the audience on their toes ad every time he re-enters the stage, he gets
the loudest cheer. One of my highlights.

Sue Blane does a great job at the costume with it resembling the original film so much.

She makes the outfits look very rustic and old, an example of this is when there are holes in the fishnets which I liked.

Almost like the tights had come from Frank N Furter’s wardrobe. It made it more real for me.

The last outfit changes are my favourite as everyone is in red and black, in my view an elite colour combination.

The Narrator (Reece Budin) is one of my highlights.

He responded to every single heckle and what fun! The number of fans that always had something to say was astounding.

The responses caught me off guard most of the time but it made the show that much better.

Budin knew how to make the audience laugh and not a single joke was missed. The heckling made it for me. As a newcomer who had no idea what to expect and that fans do this sort of thing, I was surprised at first, but I grew to enjoy it rather quickly.

It’s a great aspect of the show and every show will be different because of it, giving the audience a different yet interesting experience every time.

This is an experience that cannot be missed, It’s absolutely brilliant.

The Rocky Horror Show is on at the Opera House Theatre from 21-25th of February.

You can get tickets by clicking here.