The Rocky Horror Show
Newcastle Theatre Royal
Monday 27 January – Saturday 1 February 2025
If ever there was a musical that thrived on being slightly mad, irresistibly camp, and completely unforgettable, it’s The Rocky Horror Show. A show that has been thrilling audiences for over 50 years, it’s hard to believe that the production still holds the same outrageous charm it did when it first hit the stage in 1973. Currently playing at the Newcastle Theatre Royal until Saturday 1st February 2025, the show’s latest iteration, starring the legendary Jason Donovan as Frank ‘n’ Furter, proves that even after decades, the show remains as fresh, bold, and exciting as ever.

For those unfamiliar with the show’s roots, The Rocky Horror Show was born out of the mind of Richard O’Brien, who wrote both the book, music, and lyrics. Originally conceived as a spoof of horror B-movies, sci-fi tropes, and rock ‘n’ roll musicals, the show’s unconventional storyline and queer-centric themes captured the counterculture movement of the 1970s. What was intended to be a campy comedy soon became a cultural phenomenon, with Tim Curry’s legendary portrayal of Frank ‘n’ Furter in the 1975 film adaptation cementing the character as an icon. Over the years, The Rocky Horror Show has built a loyal fan base, attracting new generations of theatre-goers, and is regularly performed across the globe.

What makes the show so unique—and continues to fuel its success—is its invitation to the audience to embrace the unexpected. Part musical, part rock concert, and part interactive experience, The Rocky Horror Show plays by its own rules. It’s a celebration of sexual freedom, individualism, and the quirky nature of humanity. And while the show has gone through minor tweaks and updates over the years, it still maintains the same eccentric charm that made it a sensation all those years ago.
This time around, however, there is an added twist for Newcastle audiences: Jason Donovan, the Australian singer-actor famed for his roles in Neighbours, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, takes on the iconic role of Frank ‘n’ Furter. From the moment Donovan steps onto the stage in his signature stilettos and corset, there’s no question that this Frank is something special.Donovan brings a fresh energy to the role, blending the campy charisma and seduction we’ve come to expect from Frank with an undercurrent of emotional depth that gives the character a new edge. His Frank is both a master manipulator and a vulnerable, lonely soul seeking connection. In the show’s most iconic number, Sweet Transvestite, Donovan channels the seductive, larger-than-life aura of Frank ‘n’ Furter while also grounding the character with a genuine sense of longing and desire.
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His vocal performance is often fabulous, his rendition of I’m Going Home standing out as one of the most emotionally resonant versions we’ve heard. His voice is full-bodied, with a warmth and richness that heighten Frank’s internal conflict between indulgence and isolation. He also effortlessly commands the stage with his physicality—his every move as precise as it is exuberant. Donovan’s Frank ‘n’ Furter feels like both an iconic figure and a reinvention all at once, a balance that demonstrates his star power and acting skill.

The chemistry between Donovan and the rest of the cast is another highlight. The interactions between Frank and his “creations,” Rocky (Morgan Jackson) and Eddie (Edward Bullingham), are brimming with electricity, while his playful and often antagonistic relationships with Brad (Connor Carson) and Janet (Lauren Chia) add a delightful sense of tension and unpredictability. Every scene Donovan is in radiates a kind of magnetic energy, reminding us why *The Rocky Horror Show* is so beloved by fans around the world - and you will have picked up, that includes us too.

While Donovan frequently steals the show, he is by no means alone in delivering an unforgettable performance. The entire ensemble brings their A-game, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that propels the show forward. The Narrator (played by the wonderfully charismatic comedian Nathan Caton) sets the tone from the outset, guiding the audience through the plot with wit and dry humour. He was able to use his experience of gigging to deal with the random and not so random heckles from the audience. Meanwhile, the “frightfully delightful” characters of Riff Raff (Job Greuter), Magenta (Natasha Hoeberigs), Columbia (Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli), and Brad and Janet are all portrayed with infectious enthusiasm, adding layers to the already dynamic experience.
Each performance is elevated by the strong ensemble, who tackle the show’s playful, wild choreography with enthusiasm. The dance numbers—particularly during Time Warp and Hot Patootie—Bless My Soul —are a riot of colour, energy, and joy. It’s clear that the cast is thoroughly invested in the production, and their chemistry with Donovan is undeniable. There’s a sense of camaraderie that shines through, making the show feel like a true ensemble effort. Director Christopher Luscombe and choregrapher (Nathan M Wright) have done a grand job bringing Richard O'Brien's tale to life.

One of the defining features of The Rocky Horror Show is its unchanging production values. From one tour to the next, the set design, costumes, and props remain largely the same: the iconic lab and entrance lobby that have become synonymous with the show. While some may view this as a lack of innovation, there’s an argument to be made that the predictability of the set is part of the show’s charm. It’s a comfort to know that no matter where you see The Rocky Horror Show, certain familiarities will always be present. The campy, retro aesthetic is timeless, and the elaborate costumes and props remain as much a part of the experience as the performances themselves.

What truly keeps the show fresh is the ever-changing cast. Each new iteration of The Rocky Horror Show brings a unique energy to the stage. The audience is treated to new interpretations of classic characters, and even though the musical numbers and script remain the same, the dynamics between the actors feel different each time. The cast is what makes each performance a new experience, breathing life into the familiar script with their fresh takes on the iconic roles.
Ultimately, The Rocky Horror Show remains a bold, unrelenting celebration of all things weird and wonderful. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned “Rocky Horror” veteran, this production makes a welcome return to Tyneside. Jason Donovan’s Frank ‘n’ Furter is a triumph, blending irreverence with genuine depth, and the entire cast brings sparkle to every moment. While the production may stay true to its roots, the cast’s individual flair and chemistry make this show feel as thrilling and unpredictable as it was in its original incarnation.
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If you don’t want to miss out on this chance to see this night of fun, fantasy, and fabulousness at Newcastle Theatre Royal then you may find tickets a challenge to obtain as, even on a Monday night, it looked fairly full apart from perhaps the back of the gallery. The Rocky Horror Show continues to be a unique theatre experiences around, and with Jason Donovan leading the charge as Frank ‘n’ Furter, this is one production you’ll be talking about long after the final curtain falls.
Review: Stephen Oliver
Photos: Daniel Boud
Tickets:
The Rocky Horror Show plays Newcastle Theatre Royal. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.