I would like if I may… to tell you about this strange journey that will be coming to The Star Gold Coast in September 2023. The 50th Anniversary production of the cult-classic rock ‘n’ roll musical The Rocky Horror Show is set to take the stage at The Star on Queensland’s Gold Coast starting 3 September 2023. This season will have a strictly limited run during the show’s national tour which commenced earlier in the year, with tickets now available to purchase at the show’s official website. This season is fourth in an upcoming line of venues to host the production across 2023, which also includes Adelaide’s Festival Theatre, Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre, Perth’s Crown Theatre and Canberra’s Canberra Theatre.
Created and written by Richard O’Brien, The Rocky Horror Show has become a global favourite, supported by its unique approach to audience participation (encouraging it) and spawning a 1975 feature film featuring Tim Curry which also enjoys cult-like status. Since its debut in 1973 at the Royal Court’s Theatre Upstairs in London, the show has maintained a continuous presence on stages worldwide, solidifying its status as a classic in the realm of musical theatre.
For those who have somehow missed watching either the musical production or film, the Rocky Horror Shows follows Brad and his fiancée Janet, two prim and proper college students who encounter Dr. Frank’n’Furter, a mad scientist from the galaxy of Transylvania where partying is a way of life. With surprise encounters, the creation of a “man with blonde hair and a tan”, and more sexually charged encounters as the night goes on – their adventure is filled with excitement, laughter, dazzling costumes, and unforgettable songs.
The musical has been enjoyed by over 30 million people in more than 30 countries and translated into 20 languages. Fans from all walks of life have embraced The Rocky Horror Show’s unique and mischievous nature, revelling in the characters, the music, and the themes of freedom, sexual awakening, and empowerment. One of the most famous musical numbers, “The Time Warp,” has played a crucial role in the show’s enduring success over the past five decades.
This 50th Anniversary production features a talented cast, including three-time Olivier Award-winning performer David Bedella as Frank N Furter. Bedella, known for his roles in Broadway and London’s West End productions, as well as his portrayal of the US President in Amazon Prime’s third season of Jack Ryan, expressed his excitement about returning to Australia and being a part of the show.
I am thrilled to be returning to Australia after so many years and to return to a show that is forever linked to my heart! This Fiftieth Anniversary production promises to be the best yet and I’m gonna do my part to see that it is! I hope everyone will come along to help us celebrate a show that has undeniably become the greatest cult sensation musical theatre has ever seen and has meant so much to so many for Fifty years!
The cast also features Stellar Perry as Magenta, Ellis Dolan as Eddie/Dr. Scott, Darcey Eagle as Columbia, Ethan Jones as Brad, Deirdre Khoo as Janet, Loredo Malcolm as Rocky, and Henry Rollo as Riff Raff, with additional ensemble members rounding out the performance. The role of the narrator is often filled by a celebrity guest, but it is not clear whom will be filling this role for the 50th anniversary tour’s stop on the Gold Coast. But with Myf Warhurst portraying the role in Melbourne and Nicholas Hammond in both Adelaide and Perth – expect someone of similar caliber for Gold Coast and Canberra.
This 50th Anniversary Production of The Rocky Horror Show is being presented by Crossroads Live Australia, who other upcoming and current productions touring the country include The Mousetrap and Wicked.
