It’s Astounding….

• Words Liane Morris

Novocastrians will be shivering with ‘antici … pation’ when the record-breaking phenomenal smash hit and 50th Anniversary production of The Rocky Horror Show opens in Newcastle’s Civic Theatre in January, starring the incomparable Jason Donovan as Frank N Furter. Shake out your sequins, squeeze yourself into that sexy corset and get ready to party to this iconic, rock and roll musical extravaganza.

Due to overwhelming demand, the 50th Anniversary production of The Rocky Horror Show, which enjoyed a triumphant 2023 season, returns for an encore season to Sydney and Melbourne and a first time season launch in Newcastle.

Written and created by Richard O’Brien, The Rocky Horror Show has become one of the world’s favourite musicals, seen by over 30 million people in more than 30 countries and translated into 20 languages. Opening in London in 1973, it is currently the only contemporary rock musical to celebrate 50 years on stage.

The returning cast includes Myf Warhurst as the Narrator, 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 as Brad and the Frank N Furter Alternate will be Blake Bowden (The Book of Mormon, Phantom of the Opera) and as Rocky, Daniel Erbacher (Grease, Legally Blonde).

Breaking attendance records in Melbourne, Australian audiences could not get enough of Jason Donovan as Frank N Furter earlier this year. He first portrayed Frank N Furter in the 25th-anniversary production in 1998 and feels a great connection to the role.

“I was a pop star but always wanted to be the lead singer in a rock n roll band,” said Jason Donovan.

“Frank is as close as I’ll come to that, and now that I’m reprising the role after 25 years, I bring a greater understanding of the text, with more maturity and gravity to my voice.”

The Rocky Horror Show is the boldest party bash of them all, full of cheeky fun and nostalgia. Playing at the Civic Theatre from 12 January until 4 February, run time 120 minutes, recommended for 15+. Tickets are on sale at www.civictheatrenewcastle. com.au.