The Rocky Horror Show is the most intriguing and dynamic musical ever produced and now the show has returned to New Zealand for a short season at the Civic Theatre in Auckland.
If you don’t know the story it really is quite eye opening. Brad and Janet are an impossibly upbeat, sweet and virginal American couple who get engaged after attending a wedding. They end up stranded during a thunderstorm and seek help at a mysterious and forbidding castle. Once inside they encounter the flamboyant and seductive Dr Frank N Furter, a mad scientist from another planet who is creating a blond and muscular man called Rocky. Frank is assisted by his odd and creepy servants Riff Raff, Columbia, and Magenta. Despite offering succour to his new guests Frank actually seduces the couple and the evening descends into anarchy and debauchery.
The plot includes murder, homosexuality, and transvestitism and when you realise this first came out in the 1970s to much controversy this is truly a remarkable show.
Of course this heady and provocative story is multi layered – it gives the finger to conformity and intolerance but also has a hell of a lot of fun parodying American B grade sci-fi films from the 1950.
The songs are all superbly orchestrated and cover a slew of genres including Rock ’n’ Roll, Glam Rock, Doo-Wop, Pop, and Cabaret. Once heard it is impossible to forget Sweet Transvestite, Hot Patootie and the incomparable Time Warp. My favourite is I’m Going Home, easily one of the best songs from a musical ever and so incredibly emotional.
In its 2026 Auckland season, the show is graced by a talented cast with superb voices and just the right amount of sass. At the centre is Stephen Webb as Frank who is just sublime. He brings a rougher and more butch vibe to the role than Tim Curry in the movie and it works superbly. Webb’s performance is seductive, petulant and oh so in charge.
James Bisp and Haley Flaherty as Brad and Janet are perfectly suited to one another and handle the transition from innocents to sexually liberated vamps really well. Laura Bird, Ryan Carter-Wilson, and Daisy Steere as Magenta, Riff Raff, and Columbia were perfectly cast as the crazy and put upon servants.
Kristian Laverscombe played the role of the Narrator exceptionally well and handled the inevitable audience participation with great stoic humour which amplified the comedic aspects of the show. Edward Bellingham played both Eddie and Dr Scott and his rendition of Hot Patootie was just fab.
As for the muscle man? Well from the moment he bounded on stage after his ‘birth’ Morgan Jackson’s Rocky was energised, confident and mesmerising. The final component of the cast were the ‘Phantom’s’ who acted as backing singers and guests in various scenes. They were always in great harmony.
From the excellent band, to the wonderful sets and costuming, the production elements were all top notch which made this show hugely entertaining and flawless.
The Rocky Horror Show is delightfully ridiculous, over the top, hilarious and satisfying. After more than 50 years since its creation, this show is as relevant and ground breaking today as it was when it first kicked off.
For someone like me who first saw the movie version of this show when I was coming out as gay, Rocky Horror has a huge and sentimental place in my heart. I raise my hat and say a genuine thank you to Richard O’Brien and the entire company who have brought this wonderful show back to our shores. It feels like visiting with old friends again!
ROCKY HORROR SHOW
26 February – 8 March 2026
The Civic Theatre – Auckland
