“The Rocky Horror Picture Show Immersive Spectacular”, ARTRAGE Projects • 
The Royale Theatre, 17 November 2022 • 

If you haven’t heard of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, you must be among the very few. At this performance, there is only one bold hand admitting a lack of knowledge about the cult classic. In an audience representing a huge range of ages (over 18, of course), that is no mean feat.  

As my mum, sitting next to me, says, “I can’t believe this is still so popular, and nearly 50 years old? I remember sneaking out to see it when it first came out!” Indeed, I’d say a large section of the audience is among that subversive group of young adults who ventured into cinemas to swoon over and sing along with Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon in 1975. And who can blame them – even when time-warped into 2022, it’s still an absolute killer of a film.  

ARTRAGE Projects’ immersive experience makes it even more fun. A remount of their 2021 success at Girls School, the WA-led production is making the rounds of some regional towns, as well as two weeks in Perth. And, I dare to say, The Royale Theatre in Northbridge is a more enjoyable location than their previous digs, with comfortable seating, cabaret tables and the VIP booths – all which work well for a spectacular film viewing.  

As Veruca Sour’s lggy Magenta warms up the audience, we are encouraged to dance, sing, recite and throw props, and we heartily applaud a costumed ‘Brad and Janet’ on a date. We’re reminded not to ‘touch-a-ouch’ the performers, and the importance of enthusiastic consent before the film’s opening sequence sweeps us away.  

From giant puppet lips, to fans and fabric, and innovative use of a peg airer and cheap water pistols, this showing has a whole lot of quirks. Without giving it all away, audiences will be impressed by the limber and laugh-out-loud interpretations of the filmic action taking place on stage, recreating one iconic moment and song after the other.  

The performers (all proudly WA locals) are a fantastic ensemble; expressive, tight, and clearly having a blast as well. Sour is superbly vivacious, Ginava (as Riff Raff and Eddie) is weird and wonderful, and Natalie Oakes (playing Columbia) can tap and fake a fall like a dream. In my opinion, no one can compare with Tim Curry, but Danisa Snake does a unique version of Frank-N-Furter and the scenes with the hunky, muscle-bound Rocky (played by Isaac Salter) are especially impressive.  

It’s a joy re-watching this film on the big screen and, with the antics onstage, The “Rocky Horror Picture Show Immersive Spectacular” hits all the spots for a sexy and silly night out. So grab your wigs, pull on your fishnets and take a “jump to the left” down Lake Street – it’s a “strange journey” you’ll definitely enjoy.  

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Immersive Spectacular is at The Royale Theatre until 27 November 2022 before heading to Kojonup, Manjimup and Margaret River.

Pictured top: The proudly West Australian cast is clearly having an absolute blast. Photo: Matthew Gedling