Fifty years of Rocky Horror

THIS YEAR marks the 50th anniversary of the smash hit musical The Rocky Horror Show, as it continues to play a newlyextended tour through 2023.

Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ’n’ roll musical celebrates half a century of non-stop partying with a special anniversary production. Since it first opened in London in June 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre, it has become the longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world.

O’Brien said: “Back in the 1970s when someone asked me to entertain the Christmas staff party at the EMI Film Studios and I turned up with a song called Science Fiction Double Feature, who would have known this was the germ of the idea to turn into today what is The Rocky Horror Show?

“To be celebrating 50 years is beyond my wildest expectations.

“The fact that the show continues to delight audiences as it tours the UK is simply thrilling. It is one of Britain’s most performed and beloved musicals of all time.”

As part of the celebrations actor, presenter and winner of Strictly Come Dancing Ore Oduba is to don his fishnets once again as he returns to the role of

Brad Majors for a six-week run between May 3 and June 10 at the Peacock Theatre, London.

He said: “I can’t wait to reunite with my Rocky family. There is just nothing quite like the Rocky Horror Show. I had the most incredible time touring the country last year, so to slip on the heels and zip up my corset again on the 50th anniversary of this iconic show will be so special.”

West End star Stephen Webb (Jersey Boys/Legally Blonde) continues in the iconic role of Frank-N-Furter and actor Philip Franks (The Darling Buds of May) plays The Narrator.

The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet. When, by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank-n-Furter. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks and frivolity.

The show famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation – meaning, of course, getting dressed up in the most outrageous fancy dress. l Go to: RockyHorror.co.uk for full tour details.

As flame-haired widow Meg Richardson in the long-running soap opera Crossroads, which started in 1964, Gordon was one of the most famous people in Britain. Then in 1981, at the height of the show’s success and the peak of Nolly’s fame, she was axed without ceremony, without warning and with no explanation. With the boss’s words “all good things must come to an end” ringing in her ears, Gordon found herself thrown out of the show that was her life for more than 18 years.

Bonham Carter (A Room With A View, Fight Club, The Crown) has a rich history of portraying reallife formidable women, including Enid Blyton, Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Margaret.

The BAFTA-winning actor said: “She was the lead actress in Crossroads when she was abruptly, and without warning, sacked very brutally and suddenly, and people never really knew why and nor did she. Russell thought she was treated appallingly and wanted to bring her back into people’s minds and give her the send-off she deserved.”

Bonham Carter revealed that she did extensive research into Gordon to prepare for the role.

“I’ve got files and files on the woman! She was fantastically multifaceted. She wasn’t easy, she didn’t suffer fools, so I can see she might have put people’s backs up. I spent a long time, as I tend to with every part, unearthing, excavating and going in search of her. Mostly because I’m terrified that I won’t get it right. I read her autobiography, which is a hilarious read. I spoke to all her friends, who were incredibly generous and that was very telling, because they really loved her.

“I’m a total Noele Gordon nerd. If I did Mastermind I’d do Noele Gordon as my specialist subject, whereas this time last year I would barely have known who she was.”

Bonham Carter added:

“What I also loved about Nolly, which we have in common, is that we both love