Fri 12 Nov 2010 In: Performance View at Wayback View at NDHA
As Richard O'Brien strolled onto The Civic's stage to play his role of narrator for the cult classic he penned nearly 40 years ago he was given a rousing welcome home by the crowd on opening night when he reels out: "the little bodgie bastard is back". While most of the cast nailed their roles, it was O'Brien's casually delighted presence, whether introducing the story or imploring the cast to jump to the left or step to the right, which was the real treat. Any man who can still climb a ladder with swagger when they are nearing 70 deserves a standing ovation. There is no doubt that Tim Curry is Dr Frank-N-Furter. His perfect mix of utter brutishness, sex and swagger in the film adaptation must be hard for any actor to live up to - and despite his statuesque build Juan Jackson is disappointingly short of that lofty mark. He is incredibly attractive and masculine without the feminine side of the transvestite-sexuality Curry oozes. His lines were flat, there was no anticipation when he delivered the classic 'anticipation'. And his shouts of 'Rocky' as he realises his creation has been fooling around with Janet is without the memorable desperate passion Curry evoked. However Jackson is somewhat redeemed by his powerful voice: the man can belt out a tune. Former Gucci model Lucas Glover is gorgeous as Rocky (and was bombarded by hoards of flustered straight female autograph hunters after the show), Nicole Melloy is mindblowing as Magenta while Kristian Lavercombe manages to make Riff Raff his own under the watchful gaze of O'Brien. The DYI-ethic of The Rocky Horror Show is reflected in the simple sets and props, with miniature houses, ladders and shadow puppets proving basic yet pretty effective. The Rocky Horror Show flies at full-mad pace to half-time led by crowd-favourites Time Warp and Sweet Transvestite. Its story line loses a little of the spark in the second half, which is re-lit audience stands from their seats for a impromptu mass Time Warp dance-off, led by O'Brien on guitar. It was a chance for the hardy fans who were clad in all sorts of oddities to really be part of The Rocky Horror Show. And audience participation, well that's what Rocky's all about isn't is? (Oh and a hint - you may want to watch out for falling rice!) Jacqui Stanford - 12th November 2010