The Rocky Horror Tribute Show - Richard O'Brien, Royal Court Theatre
by Christopher Luscombe
(Click here)
Canada
DVD Cover Information
Actor: Anthony Head, Michael BallDirector: Christopher Luscombe
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 65 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-10-14
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Studio: Kultur White Star
Movie Reviews of The Rocky Horror Tribute Show - Richard O'Brien, Royal Court Theatre
Movie Review: Nostalgic, but not much more.
Summary: 2 Stars
I'm a die-hard Rocky Horror fan, so in the true spirit of obsessive fandom, I purchased this knowing it would mostly be for kicks. I actually love the concept behind the whole set up... a vocal performance of the play by a variety of actors who'd been involved with it over the decades.
THE BAD: Sadly, by listening to it, you'd think that they just grabbed people off the street and invited them on stage as some sort of improv exercise. It all kicks off with Patricia Quinn who was never my favourite vocalist 30 years ago when she had the energy to sing. In this, she simply embarrasses herself and I'm embarrassed for her - it was uncomfortable to watch and a terrible way to start the DVD. Sadly, it doesn't really pick up much from there. The DVD case hails Anthony Stewart Head (of Buffy fame) as one of the best Frank's ever. If he's one of the best, I can't imagine what you'd have to do to be one of the worst. If you ever saw Tim Curry do the role live, then Head's attempt here would just make you angry. I've seen better Frank's in high school productions. Ben Richards isn't a terrible singer, but his interpretation of Hot Patootie is painful. Everyone who plays Janet is immediately forgettable. Stephen Gately once again turns in a performance that is sure to make people wonder how he has ever found success in the business with his nasally, pretentious voice and off-putting demeanour. Adrian Edmondson as Brad is a good performer with a mediocre voice which at best makes him average.
THE GOOD: Gary Amers is brilliant and makes a perfect Rocky Horror - I have never seen anyone better in the role. He stands out so far in front of this crowd it's not even funny. Sadly, he gets all of 5 minutes of screen time. The alternating narrators are all quite good and enjoyable. Michael Ball is a decent Frank; sadly, he shows up at the end by which time he can't save the show. Little Nell was quite wonderful! I was expecting something sad and unfortunate like Patricia Quinn's spectacle, but Nell gave it all and was a lot of fun... again though, she only received 2 minutes of screen time at the very end. The band was fine, the back-up singers were uniformly excellent.
THE UGLY: Richard O'Brien makes me strangely uncomfortable and always has. I can't imagine his impact on people not drunk with delight over all things Rocky Horror. I don't mind his energy and voice, but that's about it really. The stage was an absolute mess.
THE VERDICT: It's a bit of a kick to throw the DVD in and sing along while pretending it's 25 years ago. But, if you're not a Rocky Horror obsessed fan who dresses up for the shows on Halloween like myself, then there is absolutely no reason for you to consider buying/renting/watching this. You will not make it through more that 10 minutes. For the select crowd of Rocky Horror acolytes, you might enjoy it for the memories it evokes but will ultimately be sad that it doesn't add anything to the culture on its own. 1? stars out of 5.
Summary of The Rocky Horror Tribute Show - Richard O'Brien, Royal Court Theatre
The Rocky Horror Show was born at the Royal Court's tiny Theatre Upstairs on June 16, 1973, and went on to become an international stage smash hit and a major motion picture. Now, Rocky Horror Company and The Royal Court Theatre present this historic program, Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Tribute Show.In 2006, Richard O'Brien, who wrote the book, music and lyrics, rewrote the narration for the show and a cast of performers was put together from previous stars of the show and other amazing performers, including Richard O'Brien, Patricia Quinn, Little Nell and Rayner Bourton, on stage for the first time in 33 years, back where it all began. They are joined by one of the best Franks ever, Anthony Head, as well as original Transylvanians from the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
This is a must-have DVD for all Rocky Horror fans!
STARRING: Richard O'Brien, Anthony Head, Michael Ball
SINGERS: Patricia Quinn, Adrian Edmondson, Sophie Lawrence, Kraig Thornber, Toyah Wilcox, Amy Field, Anthony Head, Gary Amers, Ben Richards, Joanne Farrell, Stephen Gately, Julian Littman, Michael Ball, Little Nell
NARRATORS: Richard O'Brien, Tony Slattery, Robin Cousins, Rayner Bourton, Steve Pemberton, Christopher Biggins, Jamie Theakston
Music & Lyrics Richard O'Brien
Directed for the stage by Christopher Luscombe
Producer Simon Flind
Director: Robin Lough
ROCKY HORROR TRIBUTE SHOW SONG LIST:
Science Fiction: Usherette (Patricia Quinn)
Damn it, Janet: Brad (Adrian Edmondson), Janet (Sophie Lawrence)
Over at the Frankenstein Place: Brad (Adrian Edmondson), Janet (Sophie Lawrence), Riff Raff (Kraig Thornber)
Time Warp: Riff Raff (Kraig Thornber), Columbia (Amy Field), Magenta (Toyah Wilcox)
Sweet Transvestite: Frank, (Anthony Head), Brad (Adrian Edmondson), Magenta (Toyah Wilcox), Columbia, (Amy Field), Riff Raff (KraigThornber)
The Sword of Damocles: Rocky (Gary Amers)
Hot Patootie Bless My Soul: Eddie (Ben Richards)
Touch-a touch-a touch me: Janet (Jo Farrell), Magenta (Toyah Wilcox), Columbia (Amy Field)
Once in a While: Brad (Stephen Gately)
Eddie's Teddy: Dr Scott (Julian Littman), Frank (Anthony Head), Columbia (Amy Field)
Planet Schmanet: Frank (Anthony Head), Janet (Jo Farrell)
Floor Show: Columbia (Amy Field), Rocky (Gary Amers), Brad (Adrian Edmondson), Janet (Jo Farrell), Frank (Michael Ball), Dr Scott (Julian Littman), Magenta (Toyah Wilcox), Riff Raff (Kraig Thornber)
I m Going Home: Frank (Michael Ball)
Super Heroes: Brad (Adrian Edmondson), Janet (Jo Farrell)
Time Warp reprise: Full company with Richard O'Brien, Little Nell, Patricia Campbell
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