by Adrian Miller
Rocky The Third imagines what might have happened if Shakespeare were around today and had been called in to write the script for Rocky III. Or perhaps if Sylvester Stallone had been alive in Shakespeare’s time and had been required to speak the lingo! Either way it could be a match made in comedy heaven! The Clothesline contacted presenter Rik Brown and began by asking him when he got the idea to mash Shakespeare and Stallone.
“The two things i loved growing up were Shakespeare plays and the Rocky franchise. Rocky III was easily my favourite and I was always struck by how Shakespearean the story was and how beautifully it would work as a Shakespearean play. This percolated around in my brain for years growing ever more insistent, until i was forced to make it a reality.”
Do you think Shakespeare would approve?
“I have no doubt Shakespeare would have found the tale of Rocky Balboa to be irresistible. He was also a fan of multiple sequels so the whole franchise would certainly appeal to him.”
Who else is in the cast?
“The cast consists of myself playing the hero [Rocky] and the villain [Clubber Lang] while all the other roles are played by the incomparable Bridget Metherall. One minute she’s Mickey, the next she’s Adrian and suddenly she’s Apollo Creed. Her range is breathtaking!”
Do I need to have seen Rocky III to appreciate this show?
“No this tale works fine with no previous Rocky III exposure. Obviously there will be a deeper appreciation for those die-hard Rocky fans, but the show itself is incredibly accessible to all levels of Rocky knowledge.”
What sort of fitness routine have you had to undertake to prepare yourself for this role?
“There are bursts of energetic action throughout the piece that have certainly tested my aerobic stamina. But mostly its my tongue that I have had to keep limber, to keep the Shakespearean dialogue flowing freely.”
I’ve never thought of Rocky as being the most articulate of men. Is that part of the joke?
“It certainly is! It’s a real ‘What if?’ situation. What if this character who is famously inarticulate could suddenly express himself with the most poetically evocative language. It was real joy transforming him linguistically.”
How much improv is included in this show?
“The show is quite tightly scripted with only a couple of small sections that allow for improvised shenanigans. I have spent a good part of my career improvising Shakespeare so i really wanted to find out what it would be like to learn some words beforehand!”
Do you think Shakespeare would have been a wizard at improv?
“He would surely have had some skills but would have been outshone by Christopher Marlowe.”
I understand that there are a number of costume changes as you each change character several times throughout the show?
“Yes, the cast of two do manage to transform quite rapidly from scene to scene. Bridget especially has to make sure she knows which wig is which at any given moment.”
Do we get the stirring music to get us into the zone?
“There may be a powerful bard-core version of an iconic ’80s song to accompany a classic training montage! but ‘mayhaps’ I’ve said too much…
Can we expect you to be working on a franchise of further modern Shakespearean epics?
“This show has worked so beautifully that I am definitely inspired to find other areas where Shakespeare might fit.”
What do you think people will enjoy most about Rocky The Third?
“First and foremost I think the language of the script will shine through. Then the fast-paced frenetic fun of 2 performers bringing this epic action-packed tale to life!”
Is there anything you wish to add to encourage people to come along to see Rocky The Third?
“This project had lived in my mind for so long. Bringing it to life and getting it to the point it is now has been so so satisfying. It is a show that will leave you thoroughly entertained and delightfully happy!”
Rocky The Third performs at The Bally at Gluttony – Rymill Park from 8pm on Tue 27 Feb until Sun 3 Mar.
Book at FringeTIX and adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets:
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