The Rocky Horror Show announces new cast

The Rocky Horror Show has announced its new cast for the autumn and winter legs of its 2016 UK tour.

Charlie Condou, Philip Franks and Steve Punt will continue to share the role of The Narrator. 

Georgia May Foote (Breakfast At Tiffany's/Strictly Come Dancing) is joining the musical in December, to play the role of Columbia for a special three week Christmas residency at the New Theatre in Oxford. Sophie Linder Lee, who currently plays Columbia, will take over as Janet for the run in Oxford.

Richard Meek taking over as Brad in The Rocky Horror Show

Richard Meek is taking over from Ben Freeman as Brad Majors in the UK tour of The Rocky Horror Show from 6th June 2016.

Meek reprises his performance as Brad, having played the role on previous UK tours as well as in Singapore and New Zealand. He recently played Eddie/DR Scott in the musical's West End run at the Playhouse Theatre and has been alternating Eddie/DR Scott on the current tour. 

His theatre credits include: Sir Galahad in Spamalot (UK tour), Dustin/understudy Greaseball in Starlight Express (Germany), News Revue (Canal Cafe), understudy Jesus in Godspell (UK tour), Joseph & Judah in Joseph (UK tour) and Mikado in Hot Mikado (Upstairs at the Gatehouse). 

Review: The Rocky Horror Show (UK Tour) at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

The Rocky Horror Show (UK Tour)

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Reviewed on Monday 18th April 2016

★★★★

Fresh from its recent West End run during which a gala performance was beamed to cinemas around the world, The Rocky Horror Show is back on another UK tour. There is nothing like The Rocky Horror Show; it's not just a musical but a theatrical event with audience members continuing to dress up and heckle throughout. I love watching people who are seeing the show for the first time - they have absolutely no idea what world they have stumbled into.

Big Interview: Sophie Linder-Lee

Sophie Linder-Lee is currently starring as Columbia in the UK tour of The Rocky Horror Show.

Sophie first played the role when Rocky Horror played a limited engagement last year at the West End’s Playhouse Theatre. 

She shared the stage with the show's creator Richard O’Brien as well as Rocky Horror legends including David Bedella, Ben Forster and Haley Flaherty with a gala performance being broadcast to cinemas and topping the UK cinema box office.

Later this month on 27th March Sophie will play a solo show at Above The Arts to perform original material as well as musical theatre classics with special guests Daniel Hope and Sam Lupton. 

Sophie finished as a runner-up in West End Frame's 2015 Understudy of the Year Award for standing by as Glinda in the West End production of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Sophie was originally a swing in the show before taking over as stand by Glinda. 

Her theatre credits also include: understudy Lisa in Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales), Silence! The Musical (Barons Court), Apollo Victoria Theatre's 80th Anniversary Gala (Apollo Victoria), lead vocalist on P&O Cruises (Stadium Theatre Company) and Broadway’s Spirit of Christmas (U.S. tour).

I recently spoke to Sophie about her whirlwind experience with The Rocky Horror Show, what people can expect from her solo show and why playing Glinda for the first time was one of the biggest nights of her life, plus much more…

How did you react when you found out that your first time playing Columbia would be in the West End with a bunch of Rocky Horror legends plus the show’s creator?!

It was actually kept a secret for quite a long time. I had been cast as Columbia in the UK tour, and then was told that I had been asked to do an important anniversary which was going to go into cinemas… but I wasn’t allowed to be told what it was! I trust my agent dearly, but whilst I was waiting my fingernails were down to the bone [laughs]. Even though I knew I had got the tour I hadn’t put two and two together. Then eventually I got the phone call saying I was doing the Rocky Horror anniversary with all these amazing people and I said, “Oh my god! Are you sure they want me?! Almost everyone else has already done it, but I’ve never been in the show before!” I was absolutely thrilled. Luckily Wicked were amazing and let me go early – everything aligned and it all worked out.

Production Pics: The Rocky Horror Show 2016 UK tour

Production images have been released for the 2016 UK tour of The Rocky Horror Show. Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge).

The show is currently playing the Manchester Opera House before visiting Birmingham, Liverpool, Sunderland, Wimbledon, Torquay, Edinburgh, York, Aylesbury, Richmond, Stoke-on-Trent, Woking, Bristol and Glasgow.

The cast includes: Liam Tamne as Frank N Furter, Paul Cattermole as Eddie/Dr. Scott, Ben Freeman as Brad, Diana Vickers as Janet, Kristian Lavercombe as Riff Raff, Dominic Andersen as Rocky, Sophie Linder-Lee as Columbia and Kay Murphy as Magenta. Completing the cast are Will Knights, Ben Kerr, Hannah Malekzad, Lauren Ingram and Zachary Morris. Steve Punt, Charlie Condou and Philip Franks share the role of The Narrator.

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Big Interview: Maria Coyne

Maria Coyne is currently playing Marie in the world premiere of Nutcracker! The Musical at the Pleasance Theatre.

The show puts a modern musical theatre twist on the classic ETA Hoffmann tale and Tchaikovsky’s soaring classical music. Directed by Ollie Fielding, Nutcracker! The Musical has music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, book and lyrics by Nancy Holson plus arrangements by Bruce Kiesling and Paul Rigano.

Recently Maria left the West End production of Wicked where she understudied the roles of Glinda and Nessarose. She previously understudied Janet, Magenta and Columbia in the UK tour of The Rocky Horror Show before taking over as Magenta.

Maria’s extensive theatre credits also include: alternate Narrator in Joseph (UK tour), Crazy For You (London Palladium), Martha in Spring Awakening (Broadway Theatre), Catherine in Gatsby (Arts Theatre), Anne in A Little Night Music (Ye Olde Rose and Crown), Talia in Pierced (Leicester Square Theatre), Maid Marian in Robin Hood (Plymouth Theatre Royal), Celia in As You Like It (UK tour), Bernarda Alba (Union Theatre) and Essex Girls (Landor Theatre).

I recently spoke to Maria about Nutcracker! The Musical’s challenging score, what it was like to play her dream role of Glinda in Wicked for the very first time and why touring with Rocky Horror was like one big party…

Nutcracker! The Musical takes something everyone knows and completely turns it on its head. What first drew you to this project?

My first draw was the fact that they were still using Tchaikovsky’s music from the ballet because everyone is so familiar with it, and it’s so beautiful! The thought of getting to sing lyrics to that music sounded incredibly appealing! It’s completely true to the original story but with a new twist. It has been so exciting to see how it has all panned out!

Steve Punt, Charlie Condou & Philip Franks to star as Narrator in Rocky Horror

It has been announced that Steve Punt, Charlie Condou and Philip Franks will star as the Narrator in The Rocky Horror Show 2015-16 UK tour 2015/2016. 

The tour opens at Brighton’s Theatre Royal on 17th December 2015 before visiting Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Sunderland, Wimbledon, Torquay, Edinburgh, York, Aylesbury, Richmond, Stoke-on-Trent, Woking, Bristol and Glasgow.

The full cast includes: Liam Tamne as Frank N Furter, Paul Cattermole as Eddie/Dr. Scott, Ben Freeman as Brad, Diana Vickers as Janet, Kristian Lavercombe as Riff Raff, Dominic Andersen as Rocky, Sophie Linder-Lee as Columbia and Kay Murphy as Magenta. Completing the cast are Will Knights, Ben Kerr, Hannah Malekzad, Lauren Ingram and Zachary Morris.

Original Rocky Horror movie to be screened in UK cinemas to celebrate 40th anniversary

In celebration of The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s 40th anniversary, the original movie is being screened in UK cinemas on Wednesday 25th November at 7.30pm

The screening of the iconic film will be preceded by a live audience Q&A with the show’s stars Patricia Quinn and Nell Campbell with video link to Tim Curry which was filmed live at the Royal Albert Hall last month.

Curry, who played Dr Frank-N-Furter, said: "40 years we have been running, and it’s all your fault. Your energy and enthusiasm has kept this movie alive for 40 - count them - years.”

Big Interview: Ben Forster

Ben Forster is starring as Buddy in Elf The Musical at the Dominion Theatre between 24th October 2015 and 2nd January 2016. 

Ben returns to the show having played Buddy during Elf’s runs in Plymouth and Dublin last year. Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit starring Will Ferrell, Elf The Musical will also star Kimberley Walsh as Jovie.

After completing his run in Elf, Ben will take over as the title character in the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre from 1st February 2016.

Ben recently reprised his performance as Brad in a limited West End run of The Rocky Horror Show at the Playhouse, starring alongside the show’s creator Richard O'Brien. A special gala performance was broadcast to cinemas around the world.

In 2012 Ben entered Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ITV reality series ‘Superstar’ and won the title role in the UK arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. He later reprised his performance for the production’s Australian tour and for a second tour of the UK.

Ben’s theatre credits also include: El Haj in La Cava (West End), Doody in Grease (West End/ international tour), lead vocalist in Thriller Live (West End/international tour), Brad in The Rocky Horror Show (40th anniversary UK tour) and Magaldi in Evita (West End). Ben has also produced two acoustic albums and is currently working on original material for a third album.

I recently spoke to Ben during a break from Elf rehearsals about feeling festive, falling in love with Buddy and why he’s thrilled to be starring opposite Kimberley Walsh. We also discussed why reprising his performance in The Rocky Horror Show was a mad experience, how it feels to be taking over as one of the most iconic roles in musical theatre and the incredible support he receives from fans…

The last few months have been crazy for you with three West End shows lined up at the same time! Have you had the chance to take it in or has it all been a bit of a blur?

It has been amazing! As an actor I couldn’t ask for more. It’s so amazing to have stuff lined up like that, I’m incredibly lucky! I was doing the music rehearsals for Phantom, then the next week I was rehearsing for Rocky Horror, then we did Rocky Horror, I finished it on the Saturday and I started rehearsals for Elf on the Monday. It has been absolutely manic, but so rewarding! In an ideal world this is exactly what I would want to happen.

The Rocky Horror Show gala to be broadcast on Sky Arts!

It has been announced that the recent live broadcast of The Rocky Horror Show will be shown on Sky Arts later this month!

The performance, which features cameos from Stephen Fry, Mel Giedroyc, Anthony Head and Emma Bunton, will be broadcast on 31st October at 2pm (also repeated on 2/11 at 23.40 and 5/11 at 21.00).

UPDATE: The performance will now be broadcast at 9pm on 31st October 2015.

The cast includes Rocky Horror David Bedella as Frank ‘n’ Furter, Richard O’Brien as The Narrator, Ben Forster as Brad and Haley Flaherty as Janet.

Completing the cast are: Kristian Lavercombe as Riff Raff, Jayde Westaby as Magenta, Sophie Linder-Lee as Columbia, Richard Meek as Eddie/Dr. Scott and Dominic Anderson as Rocky as well as Will Knights, Ben Kerr,  Hannah Malekzad and Rachel Grundy as Phantoms and Andrew Ahern (swing).

Liam Tamne to star as Frank N Furter in The Rocky Horror Show UK tour!

Liam Tamne will star as Frank N Furter in the upcoming UK tour of The Rocky Horror Show.

Tamne joins the previously announced Paul Cattermole as Eddie/Dr. Scott, Ben Freeman as Brad and Diana Vickers as Janet as well as Kristian Lavercombe as Riff Raff and Dominic Andersen as Rocky.

The production will open in Brighton on 17th December for a Christmas engagement before visiting Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Sunderland, Wimbledon, Torquay, Edinburgh, York, Aylesbury, Richmond, Stoke-on-Trent, Woking, Bristol and Glasgow.

Big Interview: David Bedella

David Bedella is currently reprising his performance as Kevin in In The Heights.

Luke Sheppard's production has transferred to the King's Cross Theatre following its triumphant sell out run at the Southwark Playhouse last year.

David recently reprised his celebrated portrayal of Frank N. Furter in The Rocky Horror Show at the Playhouse Theatre, starring alongside the show’s creator Richard O’Brien. He has previously played the role on and off to huge acclaim in the West End, on tour around the UK and in the US with Meatloaf since 1992.

David created the role of Satan/Warm-up Man in Jerry Springer The Opera first at the Edinburgh Festival, then at the National Theatre, in the West End and on film for the BBC. For his performance, he won the 2004 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He later reprised the role at the Sydney Opera House and at New York’s Carnegie Hall.

David’s extensive theatre credits also include: Roger De Bris in The Producers (UK tour), title character in Sweeney Todd (Twickenham Theatre), Putting It Together (St James Theatre), Arnold in Torch Song Trilogy & Wilson Mizner in Road Show (both Menier Chocolate Factory), Billy Flynn in Chicago (West End), Molokov in Chess In Concert (Royal Albert Hall), Maxwell Fortune in Chasing Fate (Birmingham Hippodrome), title character in Hedwig And The Angry Inch (Heaven), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Broadway) and Ciaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar (US Tour).

I recently spoke to David about why In The Heights is such a special show, what makes the creative team so incredible and how it felt to step back out on stage as Frank N. Furter...

Was it an easy decision when you were asked to return to In The Heights?

Absolutely! It was a very easy yes! Most of us were involved from the beginning because we loved the piece, loved the message, loved the cast and loved the music so everything was from the heart. It was a small production and we made no money so it wasn’t about furthering our careers or about financial gain, it was all about our love for the show. Second time around we’re faced with many of those same issues [laughs], we’re in another small theatre and none of us are going to get rich doing this but we get to revisit a show which has touched our hearts to the core and I’m thrilled to be doing it a second time.

Rocky Horror Live tops UK cinema box offices

Last night (17th September) The Rocky Horror Show played a special charity gala performance which was broadcast to over 600 cinemas across the UK and Europe. 

The Rocky Horror Show live screening was number one performer in UK cinemas grossing over £600,000 at the box office, beating Legend and The Maze Runner. Rocky Horror Live was also trending on Twitter.

The gala, which was in aid of Amnesty International, saw Stephen Fry, Mel Giedroyc, Emma Bunton, Ade Edmondson and Anthony Head share the role of the Narrator with Rocky Horror creator Richard O’Brien.

Production Pics: The Rocky Horror Show at the Playhouse Theatre

Ahead of tonight's star studded gala and live cinema broadcast, production images have been released for The Rocky Horror Show at the Playhouse Theatre. Check out the images below (click picture to enlarge).

Tonight's gala will see Anthony Head, Stephen Fry, Mel Giedroyc and Emma Bunton share the role of the Narrator with Rocky Horror's writer Richard O’Brien. The show runs at the Playhouse Theatre until 26th September 2015, before launching a UK tour.

The Rocky Horror Show extends limited West End run

Due to popular demand, an additional eight performances have been added to The Rocky Horror Show's limited run at the Playhouse Theatre.

Richard O'Brien said: "The response to The Rocky Horror Show has been outstanding; we're delighted to be adding more dates to the run at The Playhouse. We are all really looking forward to being a part of these very special shows."

Actor Anthony Head is the latest celebrity guest star confirmed for the special gala night charity performance on 17th September. Head will share the role of the Narrator with other guest stars including Stephen Fry, Mel Giedroyc and Emma Bunton, who will all star alongside O’Brien.

Casting announced for West End return of The Rocky Horror Show

Further casting has been announced for the West End return of The Rocky Horror Show.

The musical runs at the Playhouse Theatre between 11th and 19th September 2015.

Joining the previously announced David Bedella as Frank ‘n’ Furter and Richard O’Brien at The Narrator are Ben Forster as Brad, Haley Flaherty as Janet.

The cast also includes Kristian Lavercombe as Riff Raff, Jayde Westaby as Magenta, Sophie Linder-Lee as Columbia and Richard Meek as Eddie/Dr. Scott.

UPDATE: Completing the cast are: Dominic Anderson as Rocky as well as Will Knights, Ben Kerr,  Hannah Malekzad and Rachel Grundy as Phantoms and Andrew Ahern (swing).

The show will be directed by Christopher Luscombe and produced by Howard Panter for Ambassador Theatre Group. These special London performances precede a nationwide UK tour of The Rocky Horror Show, which opens at the Theatre Royal Brighton on 17th December 2015 starring Paul Cattermole as Eddie/Dr. Scott, Ben Freeman as Brad and Diana Vickers as Janet as well as Lavercombe as Riff Raff.

Stephen Fry, Great British Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc and Spice Girl Emma Bunton are the first celebrities to be announced as special guest stars in the Gala Charity Performance of The Rocky Horror Show at thr Playhouse Theatre on 17th September. The special performance will be broadcast live to cinemas across the UK and Europe. 

David Bedella returns to Rocky Horror!

David Bedella will reprise his performance of Frank N Furter for the West End run and Cinema Broadcast of The Rocky Horror Show this September.

Playing just eleven performances at the Playhouse Theatre between 11th and 19th September 2015, the production will also star legendary Rocky Horror creator Richard O’Brien as The Narrator! This will mark the first time O’Brien has performed in the UK for more than 20 years. 

On 17th September, Picturehouse Entertainment and Rocky Horror Company will join forces to broadcast a gala charity performance, in aid of Amnesty International, live from the Playhouse Theatre to cinemas across the UK and Europe. The performance will feature a number of special celebrity guest stars. Tickets for the cinema screenings go on sale from 09.00am on Friday 31st July.

Richard O’Brien to star in limited West End run of The Rocky Horror Show

It has been announced that The Rocky Horror Show will return to the West End for a limited run.

Playing just eleven performances at the Playhouse Theatre between 11th and 19th September 2015, the production will star legendary Rocky Horror creator Richard O’Brien as The Narrator! This will mark the first time O’Brien has performed in the UK for more than 20 years. Tickets go on sale today (Friday 31st July).

On 17th September, Picturehouse Entertainment and Rocky Horror Company will join forces to broadcast a gala charity performance, in aid of Amnesty International, live from the Playhouse Theatre to cinemas across the UK and Europe. The performance will feature a number of special celebrity guest stars. Tickets for the cinema screenings go on sale from 09.00am on Friday 31st July.

First casting revealed for new UK tour of The Rocky Horror Show

First casting has been announced for the new UK tour of The Rocky Horror Show.

The cast includes: Paul Cattermole (S Club 7) as Eddie and Dr. Scott. Ben Freeman (Emmerdale/Wicked) as Brad and Diana Vickers (X Factor/The Duck House, pictures right) as Janet.

Also in the cast is Kristian Lavercombe who is reprising his performance as Riff Raff. Further casting will be announced soon.

The production will open in Brighton on 17th December for a Christmas engagement before visiting Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Sunderland, Wimbledon, Torquay, Edinburgh, York, Aylesbury, Richmond, Stoke-on-Trent, Woking, Bristol and Glasgow.