Omg 50 years ago this summer, The Rocky Horror Picture Show – for me, the best independent musical comedy horror film of all time was released (August 1975). I wasn’t born yet but watching it for the first time with my mum (hey mother duckling!) in the 90’s is etched in my memory.
Ten year old me was perplexed especially when my mum was explaining to me that they’re basically aliens from Planet Transsexual in the Galaxy of Transylvania and that the castle is their spaceship and the Crystal Maze presenter is a Transylvanian called Riff Raff!
I stayed at the actual castle spaceship (a stunning riverside Victorian mansion/luxury hotel IRL-Oakley Court) once back in 2016/17 but somehow, I’d never seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show (the stage musical) at the theatre – until last night.
Book tickets HERE.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world and has been seen by 30 million people (I’m officially included in the 30 million people now yay) and continues to delight audiences on its sell-out international tour.
Everyone is invited to join Brad Majors and Janet Weiss for an adventure they’ll never forget. Directed by Christopher Luscombe and featuring timeless classics including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic thrusting show stopping Time Warp.
The RHS first began life in 1973 before an audience of just 63 people in the Royal Court theatre (in London) 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 (now known as the Harold Pinter Theatre) in the West End 1979-80.
The original London run lasted seven years and spawned numerous worldwide productions and the beloved movie starring Tim Curry, Patricia Quinn, Susan Sarandon and Meatloaf alongside creator Mr Richard O’Brien himself.
I was secretly hoping Jason Donovan would make an appearance in Brighton last night (he’s rejoined The Rocky Horror Show tour for selected UK & Ireland dates this year) but Adam Strong was fabulous stepping into the iconic heels of Frank-N-Furter!
The whole cast last night were first class, Brad is played by Richard Meek, Janet by Lauren Chia, Riff Raff by Job Greuter and Magenta/Usherette by Natasha Hoeberigs. Columbia by Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli, Rocky by Morgan Jackson and Eddie/Dr Scott by Edward Bullingham and Jackie Clune as the Narrator.
What a fun night! The show was a complete spectacle, from the opening right to the end. Oh and as Frank-N-Furter said “It’s not easy having a good time. Even smiling makes my face ache” really resonated – seeing this show is definitely worth the resulting face ache.
Still flying the flag for diversity, gender identity, and self-expression, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an important and historic theatrical experience. Just a heads-up though huns from your friendly Brightonian (I’ve lived here for 4 years next week so am I a Brightonian now?!) observer….it’s got some wonderfully rude bits too.
Book tickets HERE to attend this cult classic at Brighton’s stunning Theatre Royal but hurry because it’s only here for a limited run of five more nights, wrapping up this Saturday night (19th April 2025). Prices from £17.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5 stars) #DALEYPOP approved. Don’t dream it, be it!
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