Reviewed by Matt Forrest

Opening Night verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐

It’s hard to believe that The Rocky Horror Show first hit the screen 50 years ago—but this
latest production proves the cult classic still packs a punch. Bursting with colour, camp,
and energy, Richard O’Brien’s gleefully outrageous homage to 1950s science fiction
remains as fun and provocative as ever.

The story follows the familiar beats of a classic B-movie: newly engaged Brad and Janet
find themselves stranded with a flat tyre and stumble upon the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank
N. Furter and his peculiar household Riff Raff, Magenta, and Columbia. What begins as a
simple detour quickly spirals into a surreal, sexually charged journey that puts their
relationship to the test.

Connor Carlson and Lauren Chia are spot-on as Brad and Janet, capturing the pair’s initial
innocence and their gradual unraveling as they’re drawn deeper into Frank’s wild world.
The pair demonstrate great comedic timing and tremendous vocals throughout.
They’re supported by a strong ensemble: Job Greuther brings a wonderfully sinister edge
to Riff Raff, Natasha Hoebergis shines in dual roles as Magenta and the Usherette,
opening the show with a stellar “Science Fiction/Double Feature”. Whilst Jayme-Lee
Zanoncelli adds eccentric flair and powerful vocals as Columbia.

Jason Donovan returns to the role of Frank N. Furter apart he first tackled in the late ’90s
with a performance that leans heavily into the character’s unhinged eccentricity.
Channeling shades of Grayson Perry and a generous dose of Heath Ledger’s Joker,
Donovan brings a more chaotic, unpredictable energy to Frank than previous incarnations.
At times, he appeared slightly flustered—thanks in part to some malfunctioning stilettos,
however he turned these moments into a positive, using them to heighten the character’s
manic volatility, much to the audience’s delight. While his vocals may not be as strong as
those of his fellow cast members, Donovan more than compensates with a committed,
absurdly entertaining performance.

Actor and comedian Jackie Clune, does a stellar job as the Narrator, holding her own with
wit and playful authority. The audience was clearly in on the fun, with interactive call-outs
and spontaneous reactions creating a palpable buzz throughout the evening. Tonight’s
performance led to some observations about Donald Trump’s second term and Prince
Andrew which landed well with the audience.

Director Christopher Luscombe’s high-octane production keeps things moving at a
breakneck pace. The campy, chaotic energy is perfectly matched by Hugh Durrant’s
classic horror/sci-fi set design: blood-red walls, a giant brain, and even a mounted dodo
head. It’s as weird and wonderful as you’d hope.

While the final act veers into near-total madness, losing a bit of narrative cohesion. It’s a
gripe I’ve always had with the film and previous productions, however tonight’s finale hit
the mark, mainly down to Donovan’s stellar work on “I’m Going Home”.

Whilst the summer is nearly upon us, here is the perfect opportunity to dig out the fishnets
one more time and see why The Rocky Horror Show is still the ultimate feel-good,
anarchic theatre experience. Give yourself over to absolute pleasure. You won’t regret it.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is at the Palace Theatre until 31st May tickets are available at here.