I paid A$450 for 3 front row seats and my initial thoughts were;
this isn't anything like the Sydney Opera House theater. It's very lackluster from the street facade through to walking to your seats the stage is very small, I hate to be seated back and/or to the sides there's no orchestra pit, they're located it high up at the back of the stage the Rocky Horror stage set/background etc is not as impactful as the other two shows I've seen elsewhere (last was at Lyric theatre)
We saw the Rocky Picture show on a Saturday night. We luv'd the performance overall, all of the acting and singing was great, especially liked Jason Donovan's portrayal of Frank-n-Furter.
I'm a Rocky Horror movie fan, and this is my third stage show, which I'd rank the lowest, because of the above mentioned and the following reasons.
Peter Hellier takes the stage early on as the 'narrator', but doesn't perform it in the style as per the movie, or as I saw on my two previous stage shows. He does it in the style of a typical stand-up comedian show, encourages crowd interaction and banter. I'm all up for loud raucous laughter, clapping, getting up and doing the Time Warp dance. What I didn't expect is the amount of calling out from audience members throughout the show, which was encouraged. One women yelled out "c*ck" half a dozen times! I'm not a prude. It's just not what I paid my money to experience (that crying baby experience is starting to look good now, I'm probably get baby and cat calling during my next Rocky Horror stage show ;-) I was there for the singing and acting as per the Rocky Horror Picture Show. I'm aware that there are events (mostly in the past) specifically for ppl to attend a movie show with other fans who sing, say the dialogue out loud timed with the on-screen actors, and throw rice. I was expecting to see ppl dressed up (which is fab) as encouraged in the advertising. I strongly urge the promoters to include "cat calling" in the advertising too so ppl can decide to buy tickets or not.
Lastly, I thought during the show, that Peter Hellier is probably used to this during his comedy shows, but how does the theatrical singers/actors like Deirdre Choo (Janet), who normally does productions like Mama Mia, A Mid Summer Nights Dream, feel about this constant cat calling during their performance (and possibly other shows). I'm assuming some actors would think it's disrespectful to their performance and craft, and just undesirable (we'll probably never know cause employed ppl don't want to speak out and be singled out). It's definitely not done for the actors (or audience) benefit, only for the satisfaction of the person calling out.
My response to Theatre Royal’s response:
(a) The Rocky Horror production at the Theatre Royal with these performers makes a unique experience, and differs to the experiences at the Lyric, which has a different stage/theatre and cast which is what I base my opinion on (whether or not the it was the same producer or backgrounds/set at the Lyric theatre).
(b) “call out is outlined on the production website”; either you lie or it’s hidden in 1 font somewhere. It’s certainly not in the ‘Performer Notice’ or ‘Age Recommendation and Content Warning (see picture).
(c) “…. responded quite remarkably over their 12 months run”; given that you just lied at point (b), I’m not going to take you word on this! Did they have any choice, and what if they didn’t, are one of the performers going to stand up and say, I don’t want someone yelling “c*ck” at me every night! (or maybe the really do?)
In short, your response tells me that you don’t care about my experience, or others, or take any responsibility (why should you, you’ve got my money already!). People should take...
Read moreAn Electrifying Night at Theatre Royal Sydney: A Glorious Tribute to Tina Turner
As the curtains rose at Theatre Royal Sydney, I knew I was in for a night to remember. The anticipation in the air was palpable, and little did I know that the Tina Turner musical would exceed all my expectations.
From the moment the cast stepped on stage, they transported us back in time, immersing us in the captivating journey of Tina Turner's life. The powerful vocals, electrifying dance numbers, and impeccable acting showcased the immense talent of the cast, leaving the audience in awe.
The set design was nothing short of extraordinary, seamlessly transforming from the vibrant streets of Nutbush to the glamorous stages of sold-out arenas. Each scene flawlessly captured the essence of the era, ensuring an authentic and nostalgic experience for everyone in the theatre.
Of course, the heart and soul of the musical lay in the mesmerizing performance of the leading lady. The actress portraying Tina Turner flawlessly channeled her spirit, bringing to life the iconic hits like "Proud Mary," "What's Love Got to Do with It," and "Simply the Best." Her energy, charisma, and sheer talent had the entire audience on their feet, dancing and singing along with unbridled enthusiasm.
The musical not only delved into Tina Turner's musical success but also explored the challenges she faced in her personal life. The emotional depth of the storyline added another layer of authenticity and allowed us to connect with the legendary artist on a profound level.
The seamless blend of music, storytelling, and powerful performances made for an unforgettable night at Theatre Royal Sydney. The standing ovation that echoed through the theater at the end of the show was a testament to the magic that unfolded on stage.
In conclusion, watching the Tina Turner musical at Theatre Royal Sydney was an extraordinary experience that touched the heart and soul of every audience member. It celebrated the legacy of a music icon while leaving us inspired, moved, and thoroughly entertained. This is a production not to be missed, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an evening of pure...
Read moreTreated Iike royalty. My 91yr old mother felt like a queen. Escorted in a lift to the top of the theatre, as mum needs a walker to get around. Where they seated us was flat easy access to area and seats. After being seated, we were offered glasses of cool water, as it was quite humid and walking from car park in Martin Place around the corner made us quite hot when arriving for the matinee show. The seats were very comfortable and there was rail footrests in the front, that was very comfortable to rest your feet on. "The Girl from the North Country" was a great musical and the acoustics and sound at the top of the theatre was fantastic. The play was set in the 1930s depression era. The only negative was the play was quite contemporary and a bit of swearing was used. At interval, the attendant went to the bar for us to purchase a glass of wine, while i helped mum to the toilets (again on a flat level, through a special door to access the more public area). I would definitely go back to the Theatre Royal and see other shows and plays. A very memorable experience and one my mum and I thoroughly enjoyed. Best to get transport to and from, as parking hard to find in overcrowded and expensive car parks, under and near...
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