The Rocky Horror Show, the cult musical by Richard O’Brien, will be produced in Malta for the first time by local theatre company Masquerade at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre at Ta’ Qali next month.

Director Anthony Bezzina, speaking during a news conference at the Tourism and Culture Ministry, said “Rocky is a totally different theatrical production from the usual shows produced locally”. It is customary for audiences to show up at the theatre dressed as one of the characters or maybe in fish-net stockings, basques and stilettos. The audience will also be given props, such as rice and water pistols and will be instructed on how and when to use these props.

Mr Bezzina emphasised that the audience will participate fully in the show; however, “they will not be asked to go on stage, as is done in pantomimes. They will not get wet or get rice in their eyes either.” The production will be staged in an intimate environment as each night will accommodate 600 people, said Mr Bezzina.

The Masquerade artistic director said the cast includes Chris Dingli, who has completed a two-year course at the Webber Douglas Acting Academy in Kensington and was recently cast in a play that ran in London. Andy Reiss and his band, Beyond the Barricade will be playing live music, while Alison White will take on the production’s choreography.

Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech praised Masquerade for its past productions and for its contribution towards promoting contemporary performing arts in Malta. “The excellent quality of local productions has both enriched our cultural calendar and boosted our tourist product,” the minister said.

The Rocky Horror Show is supported by Bank of Valletta, the Malta Tourism Authority, Travelex Financial Services, Air Malta, Portomaso, go mobile, Nexos Lighting Technology and Showmix.

The show will be performed on Saturday 10 March, Friday 16 March, Saturday 17 March and Sunday 18 March at 8pm. For more information click on Masquerade’s website www.masquerademalta.com