It’s the 49th year anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show this year, and the Williams Lake Film Club and Williams Lake Pride Society are celebrating with a big screen viewing, for one night only, on Thursday, Oct.17 at the Paradise Cinemas at 7:00 p.m.
The plot: a newly-engaged couple have a vehicle breakdown in an isolated area and must seek shelter at the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-n-Furter. For those of you averse to gore, keep in mind that Rocky Horror is NOT a horror film. Rather, it’s a rock-musical send-up of old science-fiction and horror films.
We’re hoping to uphold all the major customs that go along with a traditional Rocky Horror viewing, including props, costumes, prizes, and audience interaction! If you’ve seen the film on the big screen before, we’ll see you there, but what follows are some of the basics for those who have yet to attend the longest running theatrical release in the history of cinema:
Audience participation is key!
Rocky Horror is considered one of the first and only truly interactive films. Talk back at the screen during pauses in dialogue, dress-up in costume and act out the film, dance and sing along to the Time Warp, and throw props at the screen. Any or all of the above.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show first emerged as a wildly successful musical in London in the 70s, and that set the ball in motion for the development a cinematic version. When the film was first released in 1975, it performed dismally. However, it was re-released a year later as a midnight movie in New York. That’s when the audience participation phenomenon really began to explode, and its immense cult following emerged.
Bring your sense of humour. It’s the only thing that’s essential, although having an entourage of your friends in tow is also going to make the evening more special. While audience interaction is required to keep the show buzzing, it is not mandatory that everyone participate, every time.
Yes, to props! We will have prop bags available at the theatre, along with tips on how to use them. Absolutely no confetti, rice, water or naked flames are to be brought into the theatre.
Yes, please dress up if you want! It’s by no means obligatory, but if the spirit moves you, embrace it! We have some prizes for best costume, along with door prizes. People often dress up in character, or if you want, go all out with corsets, fishnets, suspenders and false eyelashes. Whatever you do, don’t wear stripes.
It’s about more than a fun night out. We're out to have a good time, but we also want to celebrate that it’s more than just that: “For a lot of people, Rocky Horror is like their home, it’s their connection to everybody – all their friends…I know of a lot of people whose lives were saved by this movie. Especially for those in the LGBT community, it’s a place where they could be themselves and find people who were their family," said Larry Viezel, president of The Rocky Horror Picture Show Official Fan Club, BBC, 2020.
\Net proceeds from the screening are being donated to the Williams Lake Pride Society.
The show is Rated 14A. Tickets are $11.00 and available online now at ParadiseCinemas.com. Remaining tickets will be sold at the cinema prior to the screening.
Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the show starts at 7:00 pm. We encourage you to get your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment at the door.
