So there you are, sat in a cinema or theatre, waiting to see Rocky Horror for the first time, when a strangely dressed person comes up to you and utters the immortal phrase "Are you a Virgin ?" Don't panic, it's not a proposition (although you never know your luck !) anybody that has not seen Rocky before, be they twelve or seventy is commonly known as a 'Virgin'. In order to guide you through the experience of Rocky Horror there now follows the Virgin Survival Guide, an indispensable guide to Rocky Horror etiquette and dress codes.
DRESS
Optional, whilst some people look good in a dress, others don't. You may find that after a show or two you may like to wear something a little more outrageous, stockings, Basque, high heels (female Virgins may also wear these items). You may even become a diehard fan and start to make perfect copies of the costumes worn during the film / show. For now just wear something casual but remember to follow the following four step guide of clothes that should NEVER be worn to 'Rocky'.
1.Suits, these are worn only by people who thought they were booking for
'Cats' or 'Starlight Express' but dialled the wrong number.
2.Do not wear anything that may be damaged by the following; water,
rice and occasional naked flames.
3.Sandals, Anoraks or anything remotely connected with the acquisition
of British Rail rolling stock serial numbers.
4.Sweatshirts with Stripes, see next section.
Remember this golden rule:
'There will always be someone who looks more out of place.'
DANCING
Although not compulsory, you may find that during the TimeWarp you are the only person in the
audience not on your feet. Pop quiz, can you spot the Virgin's in this photograph? Score one point if you said the two ladies in the foreground. Score a further two points if you spotted the people sat down in the second row. However if you said the guy in the striped shirt you score twenty points, see Dress section of previous page. The people in this photograph are dancing the TimeWarp. By simply following the rule: 'Do What It Says' You will also be able to participate in this famous dance. For example the phrase 'It's Just A Jump To The Left' should be danced by jumping to the left.
PROPS
The following items may be of use to you during the show.
1.Rice, to be thrown during the two wedding scenes.
2.Water Pistols, to simulate the rain of the storm.
3.Confetti, may also be used during the wedding scenes.
4.Rubber Gloves, to be snapped in time with Frank 'N' Furter during the creation scene.
5.Torch, used during the song 'There's A Light'. Lighters are usually banned for safety reasons.
6.Party poppers, Hat, Blower. Used during the dinner / Happy Birthday scene.
7.Newspaper, worn over the head during the rain scene.
8.Playing Cards, thrown during the line 'Cards for Sorrow, Cards for Pain'
Audience Parti-ci-pation
Whether you are watching the Film or Stage Show version of Rocky Horror you will notice that the audience are talking to the screen or actors. You may even find yourself in a cinema complete with performing cast. The young man on the right was the first member of the
audience at the Screen on Baker Street to be persuaded to play the part of Rocky
Horror, back in 1988.
Audience participation should always be complementary to the show, never just
shouting out lines for the hell of it. The following two responses will get you
started in the wonderful world of talk-back.
1.Brad is referred to as an 'Arsehole', whenever his name is mentioned
this is the correct response.
2.Janet on the other hand is referred to as a 'Slut'.
There are hundreds of talk-back lines that have been used over the years, and more are being created by the audience at every show.
Rocky Horror Etiquette
The idea of Rocky Horror Participation is to have fun, the following guidelines will help
you and the other members of the audience to enjoy the show.
1.The throwing of Rice, Water, etc. is meant to be fun and should not cause
damage to the theatre or other peoples costumes.
2.If you are dressing up for the show, don't put other peoples costumes down.
Everyone has the right to wear whatever they wish. (See exceptions: Dress)
3.Talk-back lines should be used to add to the Rocky experience, don't try to shout
down other people, they might know some better lines.
4.Don't throw rice or water at the performers, spotlights or screen. It may
be dangerous and may result it the show / film being halted.
5.Have fun !
