The Rocky Horror Show
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The Rocky Horror Show: A West End Cult Phenomenon
"The Rocky Horror Show," written and composed by Richard O’Brien, first electrified London’s West End at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs on June 19, 1973, launching a legacy that spans over 50 years. After a 63-seat debut, it moved to the King’s Road Theatre and then the Comedy Theatre by 1979, racking up 2,960 performances until 1980. Revived frequently most recently at the Dominion Theatre in September 2024 this glam-rock musical has defied convention with its outrageous tale and audience participation. Directed originally by Jim Sharman, its blend of camp, sci-fi, and rock ‘n’ roll has made it a West End icon, with over 30 million global attendees by 2025.
A Transylvanian Twist of Fate
The story follows Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, a strait-laced couple stranded after a car breakdown, who stumble into the mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a flamboyant “transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania.” There, Frank unveils his creation, Rocky Horror, a muscle-bound Adonis, amid a night of seduction, chaos, and rebellion. Joined by characters like Riff Raff, Magenta, and Columbia, the plot spirals into a murderous climax as Frank’s alien origins unravel. It’s a gleeful send-up of B-movies and sexual liberation, inviting audiences to “do the Time Warp” and embrace the absurd.
Songs That Rock the Night
O’Brien’s score is a glitter-dusted masterpiece, blending 1950s rock with glam excess. Hits like “Sweet Transvestite,” “Time Warp,” and “Science Fiction/Double Feature” drive the madness, backed by a live band under musical directors like Andy Barnwell (2024). The music raw, rebellious, and irresistible earned a 1973 cast recording and fueled the 1975 film, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," now a midnight movie staple. Audience call-backs and costume-clad antics amplify the West End experience, turning each show into a raucous party.
A Cast of Cosmic Characters
The 1973 cast starred Tim Curry as Frank-N-Furter, a career-defining role, with O’Brien as Riff Raff, Patricia Quinn as Magenta, and Julie Covington as Janet. Later West End runs featured Jason Donovan (1998, 2021), David Bedella (three Oliviers for Frank), and Stephen Webb (2024) alongside Haley Flaherty’s Janet and Philip Franks’ Narrator. The 50th-anniversary tour in 2023 saw O’Brien return as Narrator, a nod to its roots. This ever-evolving lineup keeps the show fresh, drawing fans in fishnets and glitter to every performance.
A Legacy That Won’t Fade Away
From its 45-night Royal Court start to 2,960 shows by 1980, "The Rocky Horror Show" has logged over 3,000 West End performances across venues like the Piccadilly and Lyric. Its 2024 Dominion run, ending November 10, celebrates 50 years since its 1974 King’s Road transfer. A 1975 film, countless tours, and a 2015 BBC live broadcast cement its cult status. As of March 2025, with no signs of slowing having outlasted peers like "Hair" it remains the West End’s wildest, most interactive triumph, a testament to its timeless, transgressive appeal.