The excitement in the Isaac Theatre Royal is palpable, anticipation is buzzing in the air. Hundreds of people jazzed to be there, fizzing for the chance to see and hear Richard O’Brien in his element.

The show is like no other. The first act is a new fantasy rock musical, presented in the style of a radio play; the second is a Q and A session with Richard where he waxes lyrically about his life, adventures and who he’s had the pleasure to share a ‘jazz cigarette’ with.

The moment the lights dim, we are swept into the fantasy world of The Kingdom of Bling. The performers, each one radiating energy, enter the stage with an infectious enthusiasm. The applause for Richard O’Brien is rapturous. His eyes are intense, his demeanour relaxed, and his voice incredibly soothing. It’s clear from the start that this show is about storytelling wrapped in layers of satire and with a bit of magic.

Richard provides the narration and acts as a sort of omniscient being who oversees all the action. The style of story reminds me of a Terry Pratchett book, with a fully realised fantasy world emerging and a very specific and unique cadence of language being delivered. The plot mixes elements of Alice In Wonderland, with A Wrinkle In Time, and mashes all of that together with traces of Hansel and Gretel.

The music, energetically delivered by a brilliant three-piece rock band, pulses through the theatre. Each song truly rocks the house. They all have clever lyrics, thumping beats, and rocking rhythms. I would have loved a programme (even in digital form) so I could better remember their titles. My favourite was ‘Life Is a Gamble’, delivered like a Las Vegas style swing number, but there were many different styles of music included which was a nice touch.

Each character is wonderfully exaggerated – except the two children (played beautifully earnestly by Carla Ladstaetter and Barnaby Domigan – representing various facets of our society’s obsession with greed, materialism and ego. I can’t help but chuckle at some of the over-the-top portrayals that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The performances are uniformly strong and this cast is made up of the highest calibre of talent. There are some real heavy hitters here, and it is awesome to see such an array of Aotearoa’s finest bringing this new work to life. My only regret is that I would have loved to hear more from Rima Te Wiata.

The pacing of the show keeps me engaged throughout, with well-timed comedic interludes that provide much-needed levity throughout what feels at times like a scary bedtime story. I’d love to see this show continue to be developed, and maybe one day it’ll become a full-scale musical: with sets, costumes and a second act.

The show has no set to speak of, since it is being presented like a radio play is doesn’t need one; but there is a tremendous use of colour and texture illuminating four long gathered gauzes at the back. It is a subtle choice which provides really high impact. This use of light and colour elevates the overall atmosphere throughout the fantasy story, and then enhances the drama of Richard’s true stories in the second half.

The creative team, cast, and crew have crafted a work that sparkles with wit and wisdom. But it is the Q and A in the second half which really scratches my itch. Hearing Richard play an acoustic version of ‘’Superheroes’ from Rocky Horror is the highlight of the night for me. And being able to say I danced ‘The Time Warp’ with the OG Riff-Raff is truly the cherry on top!

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