Tuesday 25 June 2013

The Horror, The Horror

For a critic who prides himself on being a champion of the avant-garde, I seem to have written a great deal about The Rocky Horror Show. I interviewed writer Richard O'Brien before he set sail for his
'retirement' in New Zealand - he was completely charming and intriguing. I reviewed the previous production, and heard all sorts of stories about how the fans identified with the performers. Back when I was at school, there was a cult around the show, based mostly on doing the Timewarp in the common room. 

I'm probably old enough to realise that it was still subversive back then. 

I'll admit to a fondness for the production: in the light of Simon Reynold's Retromania, it reads as an early blast of 'nostalgia for the future': O'Brien designed it from the detritus of 1950s' science fiction and rock'n'roll's great ambitions. In the interview I did with him for The Skinny, he suggested that the anti-hero, Frank, represents a demonic figure, and the plot is basically a rip-off of that bit out of Genesis with the snake and and apple.

It sits between those juke-box musicals I hate - the songs are hits, but not stolen from a popular artist - and the more adventurous musicals like Avenue Q that don't fear a spot of subversion. Why, only last night the writer of Cannibal Women from Mars admitted its influence.

To be honest, I don't need to say much about it - it's coming back to the KIng's Theatre, Glasgow. Press release, finish my work....


Following the huge success of T 40th Anniversary Production at the King’s Theatre Glasgow in February and March 2013, the production is triumphantly returning between 6 – 10 August 2013 as part of its year-long run. Dani Harmer, finalist of Strictly Come Dancing 2012 and star of Tracy Beaker, will play the role of Janet. Ben Forster, who won the ITV1 series Superstar and then went on to play the lead in Jesus Christ Superstar, will star alongside Dani in the role of Brad. West End actor Oliver Thornton, follows in the footsteps of Tim Curry starring as the lead character of Frank ‘n’ Furter. Christopher Luscombe, who is the director of The Rocky Horror Show 40th Anniversary production, will play the role of the Narrator in his first acting role for over a decade.


Since its first appearance at the Royal Court Theatre in June 1973, Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show has become the world’s favourite Rock N’ Roll musical. It has been performed worldwide for nearly 40 years in over 30 countries in every continent and has been translated into more than 20 languages. To celebrate the 40th anniversary, Christopher Luscombe has created a new production for a year-long UK tour.

The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of Brad and his fiancĂ©e Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank ’n’ Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house, whilst on their way to visit their former college professor. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music and encourages audience participation meaning, of course, getting dressed in your most outrageous fancy dress.




The Rocky Horror Show was first performed on 19 June 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre. It was an immediate success, transferring to three London theatres. It was transformed into a film in 1974 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 38 years after its premiere, making it the longest running theatrical release in film history.


The Rocky Horror Show
Tue 6th – Sat 10 Aug
Tue – Thu eves , 8pm
Wed, Fri & Sat 5.30pm & 8.30pm






No comments :

Post a Comment