I’ve only seen the film ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ once, at a charity fundraiser night, years ago. I know I had a great time, but I don’t remember details.
So, I was excited for the show, knowing I would have fun but not sure of much else.
I had been envisioning a cold pint before we took our seats, to get myself in party-form. However, life being life and babysitters being babysitters, we got to the bar just at the ten minute preshow booze cut-off.
“Would you like to pre-order drinks for the interval? They’ll be here waiting,” the pleasant staff member asked.
“Please,” I politely grimaced, as a single bead of sweat rolled down my forehead.
It turns out booze is absolutely not necessary to get one’s self in party-form for the Rocky Horror Show.
I did find myself wondering within the first minute or two of The Narrator’s opening monologue: “This pantomime, crowd interaction stuff might get a bit annoying.”
Yes, that was me momentarily missing the entire point of how this show became the enduring phenomenon it is.
Quite quickly, the dynamic of performer’s playing off the audience and vice-versa became engrossing. It’s a part of the show’s DNA, and what gives the dialogue the extra dimension that remains unique to Rocky Horror.
Veteran actor Philip Franks (The Darling Buds of May), as The Narrator, plays with the script and audience participation masterfully. The crowd loved him immediately.
His seemingly off-the-cuff jibe at one of Ireland’s more fringe political figures gave me my first howl of the night.
Rocky Horror tells the sordid tale of straight-laced, All-American sweethearts, Janet (played by Haley Flaherty) and Brad (played by Richard Meek), seeking refuge in a spooky mansion.
Here we are introduced to the cast of tormented oddballs who occupy the house through standout numbers ‘Over at the Frankenstein Place’ and, of course, ‘Time Warp.’
The audience couldn’t help but be swept away by the infectious, raucous energy. It was obvious that a good chunk of the crowd really, really love Rocky Horror. It’s been with many of them all their lives (time warp indeed).
The most iconic character of the show is undoubtedly Frank-N-Furter, the mad scientist and transvestite whose machinations drive the story. The role, made famous by Tim Curry in the 1975 film, is played here by West End star Stephen Webb (Jersey Boys).
Webb brilliantly plays the hilarious, sinister, wicked and vulnerable parts of a character that you never know quite how to feel about.
Listen, I know it’s called acting for a reason, but he seemed to relish every moment on stage and the crowd gave that energy straight back to him.
After the interval (yes, my pint was waiting as promised!) I did find myself wondering once or twice what exactly was happening on stage.
The show is defined by its 1950’s inspired rock and roll soundtrack. The live band was flawless as they bounced from classic to classic, but there were moments when, as often the case with a good rock band, they made the lyrics inaudible (I feel so very, very old as I type that line).
This isn’t a dialogue heavy show. Like most musicals, a lot of information is carried in those lyrics. So, it was a pity to miss them. Did it matter much to my enjoyment of the spectacle? Not really.
The sets are campy, fun and bang on for the 1930s sci-fi/horror b-movie vibe that the show was originally inspired by.
There is a lot of tinsel involved, a lot of tinsel. For other shows, you could argue that there is too much tinsel. Not the Rocky Horror Show. For a few moments, as the lights and lasers danced and played with the sparkling strands, I even wondered: “Anything to be said for more tinsel?”
The show doesn’t hang about; it’s fast paced, bouncing from one surreal moment to the next and before I knew it, I was on my feet dancing the finale ‘Time Warp’ reprise with a big smile on my face.
PJ Gallagher, comedian and co-host of ‘Morning Glory with PJ & Jim’ on Radio Nova, gave me my final howl of the night as he appeared briefly with the cast, in full garb.
Why was PJ Gallagher suddenly on stage dancing the ‘Time Warp’ dressed in high heels, fishnets et al.?
It’s the Rocky Horror Show, it doesn’t really matter why. Just go with it.
The show plays the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre until this Saturday 20th January.
For more information see bordgaisenergytheatre.ie.
