The Rocky Horror Show - one of the best stagings the world has ever seen

With iconic cult rock musicals like The Rocky Horror Show, that has been delivering absolute pleasure for 40 years now, there is no second chance - and with its jaw-dropping awesomeness from start to finish, this latest incarnation gets it totally right in every aspect and delivers in abundance. In an age in which we have thankfully moved away from trying to reinvent the wheel, this unique and rousing staging of Richard O'Brien's inspired classic is as fresh and original as when it first hit me like a ton of bricks in 1974.

Out-of-this-world cast

Director Matthew Wild is indeed an ingenious "wild and untamed thing", taking his heavenly out-of-this-world cast to the extreme with his inspired direction. Wild's astute understanding and sensitive delivery of O'Brien's masterpiece not only celebrates the potent energy of its supremacy, but imaginatively infuses it with insight and heartfelt passion.

Wild is well supported by the superb musical supervision by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder, musical direction by Stefan Lombard and sound design by Aki Khan. Infused with imaginative video, mapping and animation by Anwar McWhite, James Cooke's superb graphic design, which evokes the nostalgic zaniness of O'Brien's celebration of B-grade science fiction and horror movies, a magnificent functional set designed by Tina Driedijk, and funky costume designs by Penny Simpson.

Add to this Daniel Galloway's brilliant lighting design and you have a dazzling and spectacular production that turns the hunting lodge for rich weirdoes into a creepy and menacing lair, well contrasted with the running proscenium lights and strobe effects that illuminates the magic of its dreamy fantasy world where madness takes its toll. Galloway's skillful illumination allows us to feel the music pulsing through our veins, and experience the richly textured designs and vibrant colours, in particular the projected animated sequences. It's fun to fully experience Brad and Janet driving through a stormy night, the birth of Rocky, as well as the mischievous shadow play.

Brendan van Rhyn was born to play Frank-N-Furter: it's a role that fits him like a glove and, following his Naledi-nominated performance of the role in a previous production at the Victory Theatre in Joburg, Van Rhyn adds a wicked sense of humour and vigorous sensibility to a masterful performance. He commands the stage with muscle and verve and his playful zest is delightful; the enjoyment of his performance hits the audience like a tidal wave.

One of the best Frank-N-Furters we have ever seen

Besides his wonderful interpretation of Sweet Transvestite, Van Rhyn's astounding vocal prowess turns songs like Going Home into an unforgettable emotional experience that makes his performance one of the best Frank-N-Furters we have ever seen.

There's no journey into this Transylvanian mind flip without the lovable Brad and Janet, and Paul du Toit and Jenny Stead are fantastic as the innocent couple who are lured into ultimate decadence. Du Toit gives Brad a humorous edge and allows the character to unravel blissfully - and he will touch your heart with his beautiful delivery of Once In A While. Stead shines as Janet and is at her best when she wants to be dirty and wilfully succumbs to Rocky's "friendly hand" during the thrilling "Touch-aTouch-aTouch Me" sequence.

As our amiable Sweet Transvestite's favourite obsession, Shaun Smit is a cute-and-adorable blond creation with the perfect tan; Smit's zestful playfulness turns Rocky into a playful toy-boy, he fully enjoys every moment and totally owns the role with passion and enthusiasm. Andrew Laubscher is sensational as Riff Raff; his electrifying performance is unbelievable as he perfectly captures the essence of O'Brien's creation, turning every tiniest infliction into ideal satisfaction.

Impeccable comic timing and robust energy

Daneel van der Walt will blow you out of your seat with her mesmerising performance as Magenta; Van der Walt's impeccable comic timing and robust energy culminates in a tour de force. Equally memorable is Dominique Maher whose Columbia is as crazy as crazy can be, with Pierre van Heerden delivering a powerhouse performance as Eddie (paying true justice to Hot Patootie) and also makes a great Dr Scott. In his role as the narrator, Adrian Galley is absolutely delightful, authoritative and imposing with wicked glee, The Rocky Horror Show would not be the same without his wonderful performance.

One of the most important aspects of The Rocky Horror show is not how great and superb it is, but how relevant the show is after all these years. When the film first hit South Africa in 1976, during the same time that the Soweto uprising shook the foundations of our nation, it became an anthem of the freedom of expression and now rings even louder and more importantly than ever before. Yes, we must not only dream, but "be it", and treasure our "sensual daydreams" forever.

Frank-N-Furter is indeed a superhero who sets us free and with The Rocky Horror Show, we have the complete and utter freedom to break away from dull-and-mundane conformity and wholeheartedly escape into the moon-drenched shores of beloved Transalvania, where we can sing and dance to its dark refrains and take that step to the right.

Fantastic participation guide

It's is fun with a beaming capital F and, with its fantastic participation guide, there's no chance that you cannot be as wild and daring as your heart desires; following the narrator's speech bubbles during the show, you can throw confetti during the wedding after the opening number, hold a newspaper over your head after Brad and Janet get caught in the storm, hold your glow stick during the song There's A Light in Frankenstein's place, snap your glove along with Frank as he pulls his lab gloves on and off in the lab, celebrate Frank and Rocky's wedding by throwing streamers, and throw your cards during Frank's poignant Cards For Pain song after he directs the floor show. You will not only be able to sing out loud with abundance, but get physical and participate unashamedly.

The Rocky Horror Show is a visceral experience that takes you on the ride of a lifetime. Add to this the great redesign of the Fugard Theatre, the sensational presentation of the experience by its staff, and you have to buckle up for a rollercoaster ride of mirth and merriment. If you want to experience theatre unlike anything you've experienced before, make sure to not miss this production, this is theatre at its best and most passionate.

In fact, if this staging of The Rocky Horror Show does not hit you like lightning, you don't have a pulse! It is without a doubt one of the best stagings of Rocky Horror the world has ever seen, and one Capetonians can proudly indulge in. The riotous and thunderous ovation at the end of the show and the electric vibe that reinvigorated the audience after the performance attests to a miraculous Rocky Horror rebirth that is going to have all of us doing the Time Warp forever.

Read an exclusive interview with Brendan van Rhyn who plays Frank-N-Furter at www.writingstudio.co.za/page4708.html. Read more about the show at www.writingstudio.co.za/page4561.html.

The Rocky Horror Show plays at The Fugard Theatre in Cape Town till the 12 January. Book at Computicket.

Images © Jesse Kate Kramer