Craig McLachlan back in ‘Rocky Horror Show’
Producers Howard Panter, John Frost and Torben Brookman recently announced that one of the world’s favourite rock and roll musicals will return to Australia in a fresh new production next year, with Craig McLachlan again donning Frank N. Furter’s legendary fishnet stockings in his Helpmann Award-winning role.
Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show will re-open the refurbished Festival Theatre at the Adelaide Festival Centre from December 28, then play at QPAC, Brisbane from January 18, 2018, and the Crown Theatre, Perth from February 17, 2018.
Audiences and critics alike were won over by McLachlan’s exuberant portrayal of the mad scientist. The Morning Bulletin said, “Craig McLachlan is absolutely fabulous. He’s cheeky and owns the stage whenever he’s on it. His voice is powerful and he oozes sex and charm”, while The Herald Sun said, “McLachlan is audacious and ostentatiously camp.” The Age claimed, “McLachlan powers through and lets it all hang out – shades of Tim Curry.”
On behalf of all the producers, Howard Panter stated, “To say we are thrilled to dance the Time Warp across Australia again is an understatement. We’re often asked when everyone’s favourite rock and roll musical is returning, so it’s wonderful that the planets have aligned to bring Craig back to his award-winning role. This is sure to be an even wilder, funnier and sexier night out than ever before!”
The Rocky Horror Show is considered a classic and one of theatre’s most endearing and outrageously fun shows. It opened at London’s Royal Court Theatre on June 19, 1973, quickly developing a cult following, and was adapted into the 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which has the longest-running release in film history. Millions of people all over the world have and continue to see productions of The Rocky Horror Show.
Tickets for the Adelaide season of The Rocky Horror Show went on sale on September 22. They’ll go on sale for the Brisbane season on October 6 and for the Perth season on October 20. Visit www.rockyhorror.com.au for more information.
Photo: Craig McLachlan with 2014 Australian cast members of The Rocky Horror Show. Photo by Jeff Busby.