Reviewed by The Beat Magazine’s Jo-Anne Bishop.
(Pictured: Shaidon Woods in full costume and makeup as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, and other cast members in The Rocky Horror Show. Photo Credit: Ross Davidson)
The Infuse Productions/Palace Theatre co-production of The Rocky Horror Show is a bold, electrifying spectacle that bursts with energy, confidence, and campy fun from start to finish. Under the inspired direction of Mel Stewart (in her directorial debut, no less) the show hits every outrageous note with style and precision. Stewart’s leadership brings cohesion to the chaos, celebrating the spirit of the cult classic while adding a fresh, local flair that absolutely dazzles.
The choreography throughout is nothing short of outstanding. Crisp, creative, and packed with personality. Every movement feels deliberate and dynamic, perfectly suited to the show’s eccentric energy.
David Long’s minimalist set design is both practical and imaginative. Built to accommodate a live band on stage, it provides the perfect backdrop without ever detracting from the vibrant costumes or the incredible performances that command the audience’s attention.
(Pictured: Betamaxx)
The live band, Betamaxx, deserves special mention. Their tight, polished sound drives the entire show with precision and power. Every cue lands perfectly, every riff energizes the room. Positioned on stage, they manage to be a visible part of the world without ever intruding on the action, which is a testament to both their musicianship and the thoughtful staging.
(Pictured: The Rocky Horror Show Cast Members. Photo Credit: Ross Davidson)
Casting for this production is simply spot-on. Each performer seems born for their role. Shaidon Woods (Frank N. Furter) and Brendon Ainscow (Rocky) lead spectacularly, heating up the theatre with their charisma and—let’s call a spade a spade—incredibly toned physiques.
(Pictured: Jared Brown as Brad and McKenna Langdon as Janet. Photo Credit: Ross Davidson)
Jared Brown (Brad), McKenna Langdon (Janet), Sarah Dennison (Columbia), Aidan Coutts (Riff Raff), and Jenn Marino (Magenta) all deliver outstanding performances, with vocal talent well above typical community theatre calibre. Their voices soar. Sometimes sultry, sometimes raw, always captivating. And of course, the chorus rounds out the cast wonderfully, never missing a beat.
(Pictured: Jenn Marino as Magenta. Photo Credit: Ross Davidson)
Part of what makes The Rocky Horror Show such an unforgettable experience is its infamous audience participation. At the Palace, this tradition is embraced wholeheartedly. It’s wild, raucous, and loud—perhaps too loud for some tastes—but it’s an essential part of the cult phenomenon. As one audience member aptly shouted, “It’s just a jump to the left!” Indeed, the crowd is as much a part of the show as the cast.
At times, Jeff Werkmeister’s performance as the Narrator was momentarily drowned out by the audience’s enthusiasm, but he handled it with wit and ease, working the crowd masterfully and keeping the energy high. His effortless breaking of the fourth wall mirrored Frank N. Furter’s gleeful command of the same device, pulling the audience ever deeper into the madness.
(Pictured: Jeff Werkmeister as The Narrator. Photo Credit: Ross Davidson)
The bravery of the cast cannot go unmentioned. This is a show that demands vulnerability, often performed in little more than underwear, yet the actors deliver with total confidence. Their comfort and commitment make their performances all the more believable, powerful, and liberating to watch.
Overall, The Rocky Horror Show at the Palace Theatre is a fantastic, fearless production that’s both outrageous and artful. It’s community theatre at its most daring, bursting with talent, energy, and unapologetic fun. Whether you’re a longtime “Rocky” fan or a first-timer, you’re in for a wild ride. And a word of advice, if you’re a newcomer: wear pearls—you may need to clutch them.
If You Go:
What: The Rocky Horror Show
Where: Palace Theatre Arts Commons, 710 Dundas St, London, Ontario
When: Thursday, October 30 – 7:30 pm, Friday, October 31 – 7:30 pm, Saturday, November 1 – 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, Sunday, November 2 – 2:00 pm
Tickets: Palace Theatre Arts Commons | London ON Community Theatre
Adults: $38 – Deluxe ticket with party supplies – $43
Students/Seniors (55+): $36 – Deluxe ticket with party supplies – $41
Youth (under 18): $23 – Deluxe ticket with party supplies – $28
For more information about Infuse Productions, visit https://www.infuseldn.ca/infuse-productions
For more information about the Palace Theatre, visit https://palacetheatre.ca/
Reviewed by Jo-Anne Bishop.
The Beat Magazine 2025 