Picture credit: Helena Rothery
I finally did it. Three previous Halloweens had come and gone and still I remained a virgin – a Rocky Horror virgin that is – but finally on the 2nd November it happened. Now I will admit that I went into this performance with some trepidation. Tell me “audience participation” and you’ll be met with a look of sheer dread. Tell me “everyone else in the audience knows all the words and dances but you” and I will ask you, “do you know Satan personally? Because this is my hell.” With that in mind, believe me when I tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed my Rocky Horror experience, because every part of me was expecting to hate it.
We started the night with audience participation: those best dressed come up to the front for a competition. This audience knew how to dress up and there were some phenomenal outfits (which made a lot more sense to me after I had seen the performance) and the energy from the crowd was captivating. It was fun, light-hearted entertainment and my anxieties for the night began to ease. Next, three virgins were plucked from the crowd and taken on stage to make some *cough cough* promiscuous sounds. Even this moment, which could have been embarrassing, was funny and enjoyable, the running theme for this event was that if you really gave into it and went along with everything you were going to have the most fun. The rules were explained to us all and with some particularly enthusiastic members of the crowd leading us in our chants, we were ready for the show to begin.
The costumes were phenomenal, the makeup over-the-top and fabulous, the lighting and fog machine were putting in overtime, but the real clincher for this show were the performances. I could not particularly tell you the plot of the film, partly because it doesn’t really have a coherent one and partly because I was so distracted by the performances on stage. The energy with which these students performed was astounding. Some necessary shout outs included Rocky, played by Henry Huron, who never failed to remain in character as the charmingly idiotic boy (and we all loved the clapping push-ups), even when not being on centre stage. Frank-N-Furter, played by Rebeca Ravara, was deliciously dramatic, running around the stage and stairs as if they weren’t wearing six inch stiletto boots. I especially loved Usherette/Eddie, played by Adam Mercer, who introduced the show with a very sensual dance to get everybody ready for the spectacle that was about to unfold. All of the cast committed to their roles readily and with abundant energy, something I imagine is particularly nerve-wracking in such a small community as St Andrews, but it reminded me how supportive our community can be and how talented those we walk past daily on the street truly are.
There are also clearly physical limitations that a production on the stage has when compared to a movie but all of these were handled brilliantly. There were cleverly suggestive shadows created by holding up white sheets, and the ensemble performed as parts of the props – I particularly liked the ensemble-car, with one of them being the actual steering wheel that Brad (A-hole) uses.
Although this performance was not flawless, its flaws were one of the things I loved best about it. It is easy to be cynical when watching student drama, but everyone on stage was just excited to be there and clearly were having as much fun as the audience. I have never been to a performance where you get to heckle the cast, even throwing toast at them, and they stay absolutely in character (which I thought was particularly impressive for the very serious Mr no neck criminologist, played by Matthew Colquhoun, in the corner). The cast’s energy was intoxicating, giving the audience the confidence to dance more and shout louder as the performance went on. I have never been to a performance before where you are truly an integral part of the show as a participating audience and this was an experience I won’t be forgetting in a hurry.
As much fun as this show is, it’s also a space for performers and audience members alike to express themselves in a safe way. It is easy to forget just what an impact this show had when it first came out in the 70s, but Larry Viezel in an interview with the BBC reminds us of just that, stating; “I know of a lot of people whose lives were saved by this movie. Especially for those in the LGBT community, it’s a place where they could be themselves and find people who were their family.” This show has a legacy far beyond its fun audience chants, it offers a safe space of acceptance that it is vital we continue to provide for many years to come as the legacy of Rocky Horror invites many more to join its family.
So, if you were a bit nervous about the idea of Rocky Horror before, like me, I hope this encourages you to go and see it for yourself. It is an experience worth having and once you’ve seen it once you’ll be ready to rush back, ready to do the time warp again as an experienced Rocky veteran. The only downside? You’ll have to wait until next year, so mark your calendars, start outfit planning, and get ready to be taken on a strange journey.
With thanks to the cast and crew:
Rebeca Ravara – Frank ‘N Furter Bella Yow – Janet
Cameron Wiggs – Brad Lewis Fitez – Magenta
Lucile Belorgey – Riff Raff Henry Huron – Rocky
Calia Reilly – Colombia Adam Mercer – Usherette/Eddie
Sam Morrison – Dr Scott Ava Daniels – Ensemble
Matthew Colquhoun – The Crimonologist Philippa Tarr – Ensemble
Charlotte Black – Ensemble Isabella Hirst – Ensemble
Hannah Lam – Ensemble Aiden Yertayev – Ensemble
Tess McCartney – Director Rowan Kehrer – Producer
Helena Rothery – Choreographer Luke Lynch – Lighting
Rory Innes – Lighting Alex Chun – Costumer
Abigail Young – Intimacy Co-ordinator Elouisa Cairns – Costumer
Abby Kelly – Stage Manager Darcy Bateson – Set/Prop Design
Turner Prewitt – Production Assistant Emma Martin – Set/Prop Design
Alex Mackie – Assistant Stage Manager Jazmin Graham – Publicity
Tash McQuire – Publicity