The Rocky Horror Show: Still A Favourite Obsession!
SHOW: The Rocky Horror Show | TICKETS
In recent years, The Rocky Horror Show has seen many Australian revivals. Just when you think you’ve seen the last of Frank-N-Furter, he struts back onto the stage with poise and arrogance and gives himself over to “absolute pleasure”.
Now celebrating its 50_year anniversary, a new production is currently touring the country with Jason Donovan and David Bedella sharing lead. Renowned Shakespearean actor Christopher Luscombe is the director.
The mad bisexual scientist has been played in previous Australian versions by Reg Livermore, Daniel Abineri, Simon Westaway, Marcus Graham, Dale Ryder, Tim Ferguson, Craig McLachlan, Todd McKenney, Julian McMahon, iOTA and Maria Mercedes as the first woman in the role.
Best remembered for Neighbours, Donovan is no stranger to theatre. He’s played in Grease, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert, Sweeney Todd, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Sound Of Music. He was also Frank-N-Furter in the 1998 UK production of Rocky Horror. Having previously worn the fishnets, it is a role he plays with confidence and nuance despite, in this production, a rather shabby wig.
David Bedella has gained acclaim for Hedwig And The Angry Inch, Torch Song Trilogy and The Producers. He won a Laurence Olivier Award for his performance in Jerry Springer: The Opera and is no stranger to Frank-N-Furter, having toured the UK in 2006.
As for the “man with the blond hair and a tan”, taking on Rocky is hunky Loredo Malcolm. He studied performing arts as a child in Jamaica and has made his name in The Lion King, Hairspray, Wicked, Chicago and The Book Of Mormon. Loredo runs his own dance company and has performed with both Kesha and Kylie Minogue.
The cast is rounded out by Stellar Perry as Magenta, Ellis Dolan as Eddie/Dr Scott, Darcey Eagle is Columbia and Henry Rollo as Riff Raff. Ethan Jones and Deirdre Khoo are the unexpected houseguests, Brad and Janet.
Standout performances come in the form of Rollo’s ever-sinister Riff Raff and his impressive vocal range, while Jones’ charismatic portrayal of Brad comes with great comic timing.
As the Narrator, Myf Warhurst (Spicks And Specks) is a fish-out-of-water in the high-energy atmosphere of the show. Nicholas Hammond from The Sound Of Music will play the role in Perth.
The Rocky Horror Show is such a vibrant, majestic and timeless production that it’s always a winner despite criticisms. At 50 years, Rocky Horror shows no signs of ageing.
Currently playing at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre. For more visit here.
