REVIEW: THE POPPY WHORER PICTURE SHOW
It’s just a step to the Players’ Guild to witness a live-action parody of the cult-classic and much beloved Rocky Horror Picture Show, but this time, it’s a time warp informed from a trans perspective. Trans folx Sass and Brock are seeking care over at the Beaverdicks Medical Place where the collection of eccentric and stylish staff claim to support transitioning but seem to have disturbing ulterior motives. Together, Brock and Sass must fight to survive the very real perils of gender policing, transphobia and passing…and some cannibalism, banana peels and kick lines for good measure.
The nearly full house for Poppy added an electric atmosphere and the moment the opening act hit the stage, the hooting and hollering was infectious, joyous, at times distracting but kept the momentum strong. The parody songs are taken from pop hits from the early 1980’s and Rocky Horror alike and some songs are pre-recorded with live backing vocals. Herein lies Poppy’s greatest hurdle: hearing everything clearly. The sound levels were often drowning out the unmiced cast and those not used to projecting were frequently lost. The lyrics themselves, while strong, referential and purposefully written, are often wordy and difficult to understand.
The cast is a dynamic troupe who are wholly dedicated to the ongoing chaos on stage. You can tell how important this work is to everyone involved, and even during the more awkward transitions and set changes, they remain in character and can adlib through any small fumbles. The choreography is simple and reminiscent of the dance craze that the original Time Warp inspired as the cast lead the audience to discover what’s in their pants. Brilliant. There’s a great mix of tap dancing, vaudevillian style and of course, an energetic finale number dedicated to kick lines.
Notable performances here from writer, director and actor Key Paul Straughan as Dr. LesteameFrank, Graham Clarke as Dr. Kong, Theodore McClennan as Brock and the belting powerhouse of Bailey Moriarity as Nurse JennerTrash. The crew and design team have also created some incredible props and costume designs which really allow us to fall into this world created by Straughan while being playful and political simultaneously.
With more time to strengthen and fine tune some of the technical elements of the show, Poppy Whorer could definitely find longevity beyond this year’s Fringe. The original source material shaped a great deal of my personal theatre life within this community and I would love to see what else could happen with this reimagining. Straughan and company have an exceptional message within and that is the mark of a truly great parody. Gather your friends and go enjoy this delightful madness. This is what Fringe is all about.
The cast of The Poppy Whorer Picture Show
Photography by: Tasos Nikopoulos
