A show well and truly for the fans!
The evening opens with a video featuring Richard O’Brien talking about the history of the phenomenon that is The Rocky Horror Show, followed by the official opening with a fan host gearing the audience for what can only be described as an incredible 50th Anniversary of the film!
Before the show starts, the host brings everyone down wearing a costume (bearing in mind about 90% are in some sort of attire from the film) to show off their outfits. This fun impromptu “contest” is then “judged” by a star from the film, Nell Campbell, brought up on stage, and celebrated by the audience.
The cast members Nell Campbell (Columbia), Barry Bostwick (Brad Majors), Patricia Quinn (Magenta), and a rare appearance from Peter Hinwood (Rocky) are brought on to the stage, greatly received by the audience. Here we hear them speak of their journey, audience processes, and experience on the film, and some questions are answered from the fans. This is enjoyed greatly by the entire auditorium.
This was a screening with a difference… a shadow cast! A shadow cast is a show with people performing the show in its entirety, whilst the film is shown in real time. Call it a 3D film if you like! This show was performed and brilliantly executed by the fans, and they are certainly dedicated to the hysteria and cult that is Rocky Horror. They knew every move, every word, every song, and everything in between, and the audience was as you’d expect a Rocky Horror to be: loud, proud, and unapologetically flamboyant with lots of profanities and joined phrases thrown out throughout the entirety of the show. This included getting given goodie bags with a newspaper, lights and party hats! Those who know the show, KNOW!
A show clearly standing the test of time in a room (the theatre) where a space was safe, where everyone is welcomed, and in a time where bodies are under scrutiny, body positivity was at its absolute finest.
Review by Cal Frankie
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is celebrating its 50th anniversary with original cast members, Barry Bostwick (the iconic Brad Majors), Nell Campbell (the effervescent Columbia) and Patricia Quinn (the incomparable Magenta), visiting 13 cities across the UK and appearing together for the time first time in The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour.
Audiences in each city will have an opportunity to meet the stars from the movie; participate in a costume contest; while a Shadow Cast performs scenes from the movie on stage with a stunning 4k remastered version of the full un-edited film shown behind them.
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour
Dominion Theatre, 19 April 2026
Tour continues to 3 May 2026
The Rocky Horror Show UK Tour
Liverpool Empire
Mon 4 May – Sat 9 May 2026
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Tue 26 May – Sat 30 May 2026
The Alexandra, Birmingham
Mon 6 Jul – Sat 11 Jul 2026
Bristol Hippodrome
Mon 13 Jul – Sat 18 Jul 2026
Grand Opera House York
Mon 20 Jul – Sat 25 Jul 2026
Palace Theatre Manchester
Mon 27 Jul – Sat 1 Aug 2026
