Review: Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Opera House is ‘near perfect’

Rocky Horror Picture Show was so nice, I had to see it twice.

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

Everyone looks fantastic and I feel glad I decided to join in on the trend this year.

As we make our way to our seats, the theatre is alight with fans of the show and film.

It sets a great atmosphere even before the show begins and for someone who has not seen the original film but has seen the production before, I
was getting more excited by the minute.

Rocky Horror Picture Show

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

She starts off by singing Science Fiction/ Double Feature and I sing along this time round, happy that I know some of the words.

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

The hilarious narration of Philip Franks

The amazing and hilarious narrator (Philip Franks) 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 kept the tradition going.

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 this time round, I’m screaming along.

The cast starts to sing The Time Warp and that gets everyone on their feet.

Franks 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.

Stephen Webb’s exquisite dress

The reveal of Frank N Furter is one hell of an entrance.

Stephen Webb looks exquisite in his corset and stocking with suspenders.

I noticed before that there is an audience member at the front who is dressed as him and I hope Webb saw him.

He sings his song Sweet Transvestite with Nathan Wright’s exotic choreography leading the dancers.

Webb is easily a highlight and the audience are transfixed by him.

He carries 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.

He played Frank N Furter last year and he is as memorising as last time. He will forever be my favourite.

Sue Blane’s amazing costume design

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 really 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 an elite colour combination.

The Narrator (Philip Franks) was not there last year.

Reece Budin took his place and I’m glad I finally got to see Franks. The well-timed comebacks from the audience’s heckles are different every year to suit the current going on.

Last year, Budin made a joke about Prince Andrew as he was in the news a lot and this year, Franks recited a beautiful poem he he wrote about Rishi Sunak.

Franks did a perfect job as his jokes landed so perfectly, (Jo Koy could take some serious notes).

He controlled the atmosphere while the actors were getting ready and I loved it.

It’s a different way of waiting for the crew to set things up.

His responses to the heckles were fantastic. They do make the show.

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.
Rocky Horror Picture Show is a show not to be missed.

The Rocky Horror Show Opera House tickets

You can catch it at the Opera House from Tue 23 Jan – Sun 28 Jan 2024.

Get your tickets by clicking here