A brand-new Australian tour will kick off global celebrations in honour of the iconic Rock ‘N’ Roll musical The Rocky Horror Show. This will mark its 50th Anniversary in 2023 with a season at Adelaide’s Festival Theatre confirmed from April 13. The brand-new Australian production will open at Theatre Royal Sydney in February before arriving in Adelaide.
The crowd-favourite musical was written and created by Richard O’Brien. It is currently the only contemporary rock musical to celebrate 50 years on stage. Since it first opened in London in 1973 at the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs, The Rocky Horror Show has been continuously on stage somewhere in the world. The Show has paved its way into history as one of the classics of musical theatre.
Richard says, “Back in the 1970’s 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.
Richard O’Brien, The Rocky Horror Show Writer and Creator
There is no better fitting place in the world than Australia to launch this 50th Anniversary Tour. With over 14 productions since its very first production in 1975. The Rocky Horror Show is one of Australia’s most performed and beloved musicals of all time.”
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 nearly 50 years after its premiere. Making it the longest running theatrical release in cinema history. Many stars of the stage and screen including Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Meatloaf, Jerry Springer, Adam Lambert, Emma Bunton, Stephen Fry, Reg Livermore, Bert Newton, Gretel Killeen, Derryn Hinch, and Shane Jacobsen have appeared in The Rocky Horror Show over the past 50 years.
This iconic brand holds a unique place in theatre history, a show which has defied the decades and continued to grow in popularity.
Photo: Richard Davenport
An international favourite
Seen by over 30 million people in more than 30 countries and translated into 20 languages. The Rocky Horror Show audiences have embraced the unique and mischievous musical with fandom and passion. The Show celebrates the gratification of the senses. The hit music, the characters, the freedom and sexual awakening and empowerment means so much to so many across all walks of life. Featuring one of the most famous musical numbers of all time the party floor-filler, “The Time-Warp” which remains a key to its continued success over the past 50 years.
The Rocky Horror Show has just completed its most successful UK tour and is one of the top performing musicals in the post pandemic era. It has also recently toured in Israel, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Argentina, Romania, Slovenia, Belgium, Tokyo, Korea Brazil, Canada, Iceland.
The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr. Frank’n’Furter an extra-terrestrial mad scientist. He is from the galaxy of Transylvania where people really like to party! It’s an adventure they’ll never forget. With fun, frolics, frocks and frivolity, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits.
The 50th Anniversary Rocky Horror Show creative team includes Director Christopher Luscombe, Set Designer Hugh Durrant, Costume Designer Sue Blane, Choreographer Nathan M Wright, Lighting Designer Nick Richings, Music Richard Hartley (original musical arrangements). The 50th Anniversary Rocky Horror Show is produced in Australia by Rocky Horror Company Ltd.
Photo: Richard Davenport
The Rocky Horror Show is the boldest party bash of them all, ready to thrill fans and audiences alike with cheeky fun and nostalgia. Whether it’s your first time seeing the show or the twenty first time, or whether you dress up or not The Rocky Horror Show delivers in its promise of a guaranteed party.
Tickets on sale now at rockyhorror.com.au
The Rocky Horror Show
Adelaide Festival Theatre
April 2023
