Jason Donovan commands the stage in Rocky Horror as something is awry: review

The former Neighbours heart-throb proved he's still got the voice (and the legs) to play Frank N Furter in Rocky Horror but something was awry at the official red carpet opening at Sydney's Theatre Royal.

Despite Paralympian and media personality Dylan Alcott stepping in as narrator, finalist of The Voice Stellar Perry shining as Magenta, nor Donovan nailing every note, I felt the audience clearly didn't get the memo - this is an interactive show!

"Oh Sydney, this is not La Boheme at the Opera House!" shouted Donovan to the crowd early in the first act, taunting them to vibe up.

Rocky Horror isn't just another musical like Mamma Mia! or & Juliet, it is an experience.

Even the website (which has been online since before the season first began in Sydney in February 2023) explains why heckling is gladly encouraged as is fancy dress, and why wearing a suit is frowned upon.

Second time around for Sydney you'd think the crowd would have understood.

"Suits. These are only worn by people who thought they were booking for Phantom of the Opera or Chicago, but dialled the wrong number," the website states.

"Audience Participation started back in the 1970's in the USA and made it over to the UK a few years later.

"Originally only for the movie, the 'AP' has become a part of the stage show as well. Fans have been dressing up, shouting back lines and singing along to the show for thirty years now."

There were a handful of hecklers but not enough, and some who tapped their toes through the first rendition of Time Warp (again, the website states you can break theatre etiquette and dance during this song).

For the second enactment of the Time Warp, the help of Donovan (who I had a hard time believing was in there behind the make-up, I truly felt like he was the original Frank N Furter played by Tim Curry in the 1970s) got most people on their feet.

I stood in the aisle of the dress circle so as not to obstruct the views of serious theatre-goers and pointed eyebrows behind me while I jumped to the right instead of the left.

I could see down below most people in the stalls were on their feet - thank God!

My husband, who had never seen the stage show nor the film, was aware of participation and felt there was a lack of atmosphere from the audience but he still had a fabulous time all the same.

The show runs for a bit over 2 hours, including a 20-minute interval.

It is naughty, risque and hilarious, so if that's not your thing, perhaps wait to see if Donovan ever appears in an Aussie version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Just the song titles can give you an indication of what will unfold: Science Fiction, Time Warp, Sweet Transvestite, Toucha Toucha Touch Me and Super Heroes.

It's definitely not suited to children.

Also, note Dylan Alcott is substituted by comedian Peter Helliar and Donovan by Blake Bowden on some performance dates.

Tickets start at $69. For more details, visit www.rockyhorror.com.au.

Rocky Horror is on for a limited season at Theatre Royal, Sydney, until May 12.

Just remember, you're here for a good time not a long time so make the most of your night out with Jason Donovan!