The Australian tour begins in Newcastle on 12th January, with return seasons confirmed for Melbourne and Sydney.
Fans of the cult classic musical “The Rocky Horror Show” are in for a treat as it embarks on a triumphant global celebration for its 50th anniversary in 2024.
With a new Australian production, this legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical will kick off its tour at the Civic Theatre Newcastle on the 12th of January. The production will feature Australian superstar Jason Donovan as Frank N Furter and Myf Warhurst as the Narrator in Newcastle. Return seasons will follow at Melbourne’s Atheneum Theatre starting from the 9th of February and at Sydney’s Theatre Royal from the 31st of March.
The Rocky Horror Show
- Newcastle – Civic Theatre from 12th January
- Melbourne – Athenaeum Theatre from 9th February
- Sydney – Theatre Royal Sydney from 31st March
Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.
Returning cast members include Stellar Perry as Magenta/The Usherette, Deirdre Khoo as Janet, Henry Rollo as Riff Raff, Darcey Eagle as Columbia, and Ellis Dolan as Eddie/Dr Scott. Joining them on the 2024 tour will be Blake Bowden as Brad and the Frank N Furter Alternate, and Daniel Erbacher as Rocky. The Phantoms, who play a crucial role in the show, will be portrayed by Josh Gates, Hollie James, Erica Wild, Keane Fletcher, and Seryan Burke-Low.
“The Rocky Horror Show,” written and created by Richard O’Brien, has achieved iconic status as one of the world’s favourite musicals and is the only contemporary rock musical that has graced the stage for 50 years. This thrilling journey began in 1973, with the show having been a constant presence on stages worldwide ever since, earning its place as a classic of musical theatre.
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Jason Donovan, who stars as Frank N Furter, expressed his enthusiasm for the encore seasons in Melbourne and Sydney, and the opportunity to bring the show to Newcastle. Donovan’s career has spanned over 30 years, with a highly successful musical journey. His debut album was a platinum-selling record in Australia and the highest-selling album in the UK in 1989. He has since sold over 13 million albums worldwide and continues to perform live shows to adoring audiences. Donovan’s musical theatre debut took place in the West End in 1991 in the lead role of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, earning him an Olivier Award nomination. He has since appeared in various West End musical theatre productions, including “Priscilla Queen of The Desert,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “The Rocky Horror Show,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” and “The Sound of Music.” Donovan’s remarkable career in theatre has also included a starring role as the Pharaoh in the UK tour of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and as Teen Angel in “Grease.”
“Earlier this year I had the greatest pleasure to play Frank in this incredible 50th Anniversary production of the Rocky Horror Show back home in Australia and I can truly say it was one of the most satisfying and enjoyable times in my career. From the insanely talented cast, the hard working crew and of course the enthusiastic audiences we could not have asked for anything more so I am beyond thrilled we get to come back around to Melbourne and Sydney for encore seasons, and bring the show to Newcastle where I am looking forward to taking the stage for the first time and hopefully a few dips in that glorious ocean!,” said Jason Donovan.
Since its inception, “The Rocky Horror Show” has transformed from an intimate show in 1973 to an enduring film classic known as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” It has become the longest-running theatrical release in cinema history, with stars such as Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Meat Loaf, and Adam Lambert, among others, gracing its stage. With over 14 productions in the country since the first production in 1975, the musical has become one of Australia’s most beloved and frequently performed productions.
Seen by over 30 million people in more than 30 countries and translated into 20 languages, “The Rocky Horror Show” has captured the hearts and spirits of audiences with its timeless music, unforgettable characters, themes of freedom, sexual awakening, and empowerment. The show features the iconic number “The Time Warp,” which continues to be a central element of its success over the past 50 years.
The recent UK tour of “The Rocky Horror Show” concluded as one of the top-performing musicals in the post-pandemic era. The production has delighted audiences in multiple countries, cementing its status as a bold, entertaining, and timeless party.
For all those who love the cult classic or are newcomers to the “Rocky Horror” experience, 2024 promises to be a year of outrageous fun, and the celebrations have only just begun.
Find out more and get your tickets here.
