The Fame Reporter interviewed Australian theatre performer and Swing extraordinaire Keane Fletcher. He is currently a Swing in The Rocky Horror Show Musical playing at The Star Gold Coast from 2 – 23 September.

A WAAPA graduate, Keane joined acclaimed international singing group THE TEN TENORS in 2010 and since then has gone on to appear in theatres, stadiums and concert halls all over the world. Keane has performed extensively on international television and radio programs including Oprah’s Ultimate Australian Adventure, NBC’s The Today Show, and the opening of the UEFA CUP in Warsaw.

Previous theatre credits include Merrily We Roll Along, We Will Rock You, The 27 Club, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Altar Boyz, Hello Again, and The Good Fight for the New York Music Theatre Festival.

We had the opportunity to sit down with theatre performer Keane Fletcher and talk about being cast in the latest Australian production of The Rocky Horror Show, the importance of Swings and their role in live productions and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter Keane. What was it that sparked your interest in performing initially?
I’ve always loved stories and storytelling and like most kids growing up in the late 80s/early 90s, I was obsessed with all the animated Disney movies; I wore out many a cassette tape obsessively singing along to The Little Mermaid.

Mum saw I had energy to burn and signed me up for afterschool drama classes. The rest is history.

What about The Rocky Horror Show enticed you to want to be involved in this current production and what was your reaction when you found out you were cast in the show?
When I saw the principal cast announcement my interest was immediately piqued. There have been many Australian productions of Rocky Horror over the years, but there was something about this cast that seemed special. And I was right.

Not only does this production tap into the anarchistic rock’n’roll energy of the original, but it also has its eye planted firmly on the future. When I found out I was cast, I felt honored to be included.

What is the most rewarding and challenging part about being a Swing and something people might not know about it from your perspective?
Swinging, as well as understudying, takes a very specific mindset. You have to be both a perfectionist as well as someone who doesn’t sweat the small stuff. It can be incredibly invigorating, but you do have to learn how to manage your adrenaline. And keeping yourself disciplined and motivated when you’re not onstage is key.

People might not realize it, but even if I’m not actually performing, [as a Swing] I’m still in the building every night, going over dance numbers and songs just to keep things fresh.

I’ve also been lucky enough to see the show from every possible angle, from both onstage, backstage and as an audience member. It helps you to recognize the big picture and how all the pieces fit together.

What is it like juggling having to know different roles or plots and seeing the show from a few different perspectives, and what does it mean to you to be a swing or an understudy?
On this particular show its fantastic. Because the cast is so small and the show is so iconic, going on for different roles feels very rewarding. I just get to play dress up!

One day I’m a dancer, the next I might be getting done up in old man makeup, the day after that I might be centerstage in a corset and heels. It keeps things interesting.

What is your favourite scene or number in the show?
I love ‘Rose Tint My World’. It’s such a cathartic and celebratory moment and everyone is running around crazily in their heels and feather boas!

What do you think it is about the cult classic ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ and the music that makes people want to return to see this show?
Well first and foremost the songs are all bangers. Hit after hit. I also think it gives people an outlet for the feelings and impulses they might not have permission to access in their day to day lives.

Especially for the generation that came of age when the film was released. The show helped (and still helps) people find their own playful connection to sexuality and gender without taking itself too seriously.

What 3 performers dead or alive would you love to have a dinner party with?
Freddie Mercury, Meryl Streep and Mariah Carey.

What was it like touring with The Ten Tenors and what was the most rewarding part of that experience?
The travelling was insane. I’d only ever been out of the country a handful of times before I joined, and the fact that I’ve now performed on every continent apart from Antarctica is just crazy to me.

Touring with The Ten Tenors also taught me a lot about how to maintain good vocal health, how to relax onstage and bring more of myself to a performance, and how to work as part of an ensemble.

It also helped that the guys that I toured with were some of the loveliest and most talented bunch of people you’ll ever meet. No room for arguments when you’re all sleeping two feet away from each other in bunks on a tour bus.

Why should audiences come along and see The Rocky Horror Show when it arrives at The Star Gold Coast?
I have an inkling that the Gold Coast might end up being Rocky’s spiritual home.

People love to party on the Goldy and Rocky Horror is the biggest party of them all.

Lastly who or what inspires you?
My peers. Especially the ones who have been able to find longevity in the performing arts industry.

Fame Reporter Word Play

Rocky Horror
Time Warp

Dream collaborator
Tim Burton

Favourite song of all time that you never get sick of
Of all time?! It changes a lot. Right now its River by Leon Bridges.

Causes you are passionate about
Animal welfare

Dressing Room necessity
Phone charger

New York Music Theatre Festival
DIY

Music
Essential, one of life’s great pleasures

Shortest amount of time you’ve had to go on stage when someone calls out
Gone on at interval so maybe ten minutes.

Tick
Fatherhood

Unlimited show budget – what dream show would you do? Who would you play and who would play opposite you?
Any of the male leads in Les Miz with all my mates from The Ten Tenors

Place you want to travel to
Would love to go back to Cinque Terre or New Orleans. Or to Scotland for the first time.

WAAPA
Pivotal

Favourite Rocky Horror song
Rose Tint My World

Swing
Swiss Army Knife

The Phantom of the Opera
Epic

Australian theatre scene
Small, everyone knows each other

TV Binge
Top Chef

Broadway
Overrated

Future dream
Write and produce my own material

Finally, favourite thing about performing
How much of a holistic experience it is. You get to use all of yourself – body, mind and soul.

Thank you for being our guest Keane and enjoy the rest of The Rocky Horror Show tour!

TICKETS
Currently playing from 2 – 23 September
The Star, Gold Coast