Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show, celebrates 50 years of non-stop partying with a special anniversary production coming to Leeds Grand Theatre from Tue 27 June – Sat 1 July 2023.
Since it first opened in London in June 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre, The Rocky Horror Show has become the longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world. The show has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide in more than 30 countries and translated into 20 languages as it continues to delight audiences on its sell-out international tour.
Directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror Show features iconic classics including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic-thrusting, show-stopping Time Warp.
The Rocky Horror Show creator Richard O’Brien (Left).
The cast includes West End star Stephen Webb (Jersey Boys/Legally Blonde) who continues in the iconic role of Frank, slipping into a corset and heels with ease. Philip Franks (The Darling Buds of May) plays The Narrator, Richard Meek (Hairspray/Spamlot) makes a welcome return as Brad and fan favourite Haley Flaherty (Mamma Mia/Chicago) joins them as Janet.
Producer Howard Panter said: “Rocky Horror has always been a show I loved, since its earliest days on the Kings Road. Richard O’Brien and I are delighted this non-stop party continues to thrill audiences across the world, and we look forward to the next 50 years!”
Richard O’Brien said: “Back in the 1970s, when someone asked me to entertain the Christmas staff party at the EMI Film Studios and I turned up with a song called Science Fiction Double Feature, who would have known this was the germ of the idea to turn into today what is The Rocky Horror Show. To be celebrating 50 years is beyond my wildest expectations from the humble beginnings back in 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre in London. The fact that The Rocky Horror Show continues to delight audiences as it tours the UK 50 years on is simply thrilling. The Rocky Horror Show is one of Britain’s most performed and beloved musicals of all time.”
The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet. When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank’n’Furter. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity.
The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation – meaning, of course, getting dressed up in the most outrageous fancy dress. Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, The Rocky Horror Show is the boldest bash of them all.
Cast
Kristian Lavercombe (Jersey Boys/Jesus Christ Superstar) once again reprises his role as Riff Raff, following more than 2000 performances around the world, with Darcy Finden who made her professional debutlast year as one of the Phantoms now stepping up to play the role ofas Columbia. Ben Westhead (Oliver/The Sound of Music)plays Rocky, Suzie McAdams (School of Rock/Kinky Boots) takes on the role of Magenta and Joe Allen (Little Shop of Horrors/Charlie & The Chocolate Factory) plays Eddie & Dr Scott. Playing the Phantoms are Stefania Du Toit (Starlight Express/Singing in the Rain), Jessica Sole (Into The Woods/Camelot), Reece Budin (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical/Man of La Mancha) and Fionan O’Carroll (Theatre whilst training: Urinetown/Children of Eden)who is making his professional debut. Nathan Shaw (Walk Like A Man)and Tyla Nurden (Funny Girl/Carrie, The Musical) are Swings.
The Rocky Horror Show
The Rocky Horror Show first began life in 1973 before an audience of just 63 people in the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs. It was an immediate success and transferred to the Chelsea Classic Cinema, before going on to run at the Kings Road Theatre, 1973-79 and the Comedy Theatre in the West End, 1979-80. In 1975 it was transformed into a film called The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This film adaptation took over $135 million at the Box Office and is still shown in cinemas around the world more than 40 years after its premiere, making it the longest-running theatrical release in cinema history. Many stars including Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Jerry Springer, Jason Donovan and Meatloaf have appeared in the show over the past 45 years.
In 2015, as part of a sold-out season at London’s Playhouse Theatre, a special star-studded Gala charity performance in aid of Amnesty International was broadcast to over 600 cinemas across the UK and Europe. The live screening – featuring a host of celebrities playing The Narrator including Stephen Fry, Mel Giedroyc, Emma Bunton, Ade Edmondson, Anthony Head and Richard O’Brien – smashed box office records and was the biggest-grossing film in cinemas across the UK. The performance was subsequently screened on the Sky Arts channel.
The Rocky Horror Show is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 27 June to Saturday 1 July 2023. Book tickets online at leedsheritagetheatres.com or call the Box Office on 0113 243 0808.
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