Since the actual horrors of this world continue to persist, I was so happy to grab the queer joy I needed this week – a night of classic Rocky Horror chaos.
Rocky Horror will always hold a special place in my heart. I first watched the show when I was in my early teens and the exuberant campness of the entire production, with its cross-dressing, bisexual awakenings and incredible dance numbers, firmly lodged itself in my psyche and probably informed a lot of who I am today (a chaotic bisexual.)
So of course, when I got the opportunity to review the play at the Belgrade theatre this week, I jumped (to the left) at the chance. I’m so astounded at the audience participation – people that have so clearly loved the film and the play for years and know all the lines, throw heckles which are welcomed and the play adapts to them. The vibes were wonderful. It felt almost like a pilgrimage of sorts – for many of the audience members, it’s about returning to a place where they can express themselves fully and celebrate that, unabashedly.
There is a clear reason why this show has been a cult classic for 50 years and it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of older and new audiences alike: Rocky Horror has remained steadfastly true to the source material throughout the decades, never losing its energy and liveliness, its chaos or its blatant disregard for the conservative status quo (in whatever form that takes at the time!).
In the lead role of Frank N Furter, Stephen Webb absolutely steals the show. Those are some very big stockings to fill, but he never fails to work the crowd into a frenzy befitting of the character! The entire cast were fantastic, Brad (James Bisp) was bringing nerd chic, Rocky (Morgan Jackson) the newly-created specimen turned many heads and all the cast brought this beloved show to life. To them, I say, bravo!
Now, I suppose it’s my job to persuade you to go and see it… if Rocky Horror somehow hasn’t been on your to watch list for the last few years… and that’s a tough one! Because Rocky Horror is one of those indescribable plays, in that if you were to try to explain to someone out loud what it is that happens, it wouldn’t really work. But here are just a few words to get you started… Breakdowns, brain transplants, crossdressing, seductive surgeons, chainsaws, and aliens all topped with timeless classics that you will want to sing all the way home.
It’s unique – a fever dream of theatre, and the more times you go, the more it keeps on giving. You’ll truly understand the meaning of “Let’s do the time warp AGAIN!”
queer crossroads 
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