The Trent Film Society is thrilled to be bringing The Rocky Horror Picture Show to Market Hall for one night only! On Wednesday, October 21st at 8:30pm, we are offering you a night of absolute pleasure… all for FREE! The night will feature local talent performing “shadow cast” interpretations of your favourite songs while we screen the film. There will be tantalizing treats, terrifying trivia and a floor show that is guaranteed to make you sizzle in your seats. Audience partici… (SAY IT!)… pation is highly encouraged and there will be prizes for the best costumes.
Never been to a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show before? Don’t worry; here is all the information that you need! Rocky Horror originated as a stage production; a musical written by Richard O’Brien which hit premiered in London in 1973. The musical paid homage to science fiction and low-budget horror films with a sexy, tongue-in-cheek style. The story revolves around a young couple who accidentally stumble upon Frank N. Furter’s Castle. Within the castle walls, they meet a host of strange characters and discover that they have arrived on a very special night. The stage production became a hit and ran for 2,960 performances!
In 1975, the stage show was adapted into a feature film. Young actor Tim Curry portrayed Dr. Frank N. Furter on stage and reprised his role for the film. Richard O’Brien, the writer, also reprised his role of Riff Raff; the doctor’s awkward assistant. Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon joined the cast as Brad and Janet; roles for which they would always be famous. Though the film was not well received by critics, audience members loved it! With special screenings at midnight, The Rocky Horror Picture Show became the most famous “midnight movie” ever. Not only did viewers return to watch the film repeatedly, they began to actively participate at the screenings. They would dress up as their favourite characters, sing along with the songs, act out parts of the film and design “call-backs”- phrases and jokes that they would yell during certain moments of the film. Soon, “shadow casts” would emerge where people would mime dialogue, lip-sync songs and act out the entirely of the film during the screening.
Forty years later, The Rocky Horror Picture Show remains a treasured cult classic; many cities still run midnight screenings of the film with audience participation. We wish to offer you a full Rocky Horror experience; so we encourage you to dress up, dance, sing along and get into the spirit. You can find a whole list of participation activities online, but here are some of the most popular ones:
– Bubbles (no rice please!) for the wedding scenes
– Newspapers to hold over your head for Over at the Frankenstein Place
– Toast (unbuttered) and party horns for when Frankie calls for a toast
– Toilet paper for Dr. Scott
We just ask that you be respectful of the space and not throw anything at the screen or the performers. The screening will be held at Market Hall on Wednesday, October 21st. The doors will open at 8:00pm and the show will start at 8:30pm. If you wish to obtain an advance wristband, which ensures that you will have a seat in the theatre, you can pick one up from the box office at Market Hall from noon to 5:00pm on the day of the show. Advance wristbands are not required, however, you are welcome to grab your wristband on your way into the show. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Trent Film Society (trentfilmsociety@gmail.com) and be sure to check out the Facebook event page for interesting links and information about the screening.
Get ready to give yourself over to absolute pleasure and let there be lips!