March 29th 2023.
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) Even today, it seems almost unbelievable that the musical The Rocky Horror Show has been such a resounding success over the past 50 years. It originally premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in London during June of 1973 and since then has been a hit all over the world, with its current UK tour. Richard O'Brien, the show's creator, is surprised by its popularity and he reflects on the time when he was a struggling actor and writer when the show first came together. He had just emigrated to New Zealand with his parents and when he returned to the UK, he was soon part of the swinging creative scene. When it came to theatre, however, Richard noted that the appetite was for more serious work and so he created a show that pastiched the cheap-and-cheerful sci-fi and horror flicks he loved. He then took on the role of Dr Frank-N-Furter's hunchbacked butler, Riff Raff. Despite some pre-opening buzz, it was still a fringe theatre event, but on the final night of the initial five-week run, even celebrities Elliot Gould and Mick Jagger wanted to get in, although the show had to be cancelled due to the actor playing Rocky having an irritation due to glitter in his trunks.
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk) This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, an almost unbelievable theatrical success story. To commemorate the occasion, the musical is currently enjoying another UK tour. When asked if he is surprised by the sheer extent of its enduring popularity, creator Richard O’Brien replied, ‘Well yes, The thing about Rocky is that it’s always been a surprise. It was a surprise from day one.’
The show's creator, Richard O’Brien, had recently emigrated from Gloucestershire to New Zealand’s North Island when he wrote the show, drawing inspiration from the cheap-and-cheerful sci-fi and horror flicks he loved. Richard took the role of Frank-N-Furter’s hunchbacked butler, Riff Raff, and Jim Sharman, who worked on Jesus Christ Superstar, directed.
When the show first premiered in a tiny room upstairs at London’s Royal Court Theatre in June 1973, it was a fringe theatre event; however, come the final night of the initial five-week run, there were celebrities waiting to get in. The cancellation happened due to the actor playing Rocky suffering from a painful irritation caused by glitter getting into his tiny trunks.
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk)
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk)
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk)
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk)
(Image Source: https://metro.co.uk)
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