The Rocky Horror Show is back in Manchester to celebrate 40 years of success since its début suspender-clad performance in June 1973.
Fans of the cult classic will be able to give themselves over to absolute pleasure and attend a whole host of special events next week including question and answer sessions with the cast, a Frank ‘n’ Furter makeover session and a Time Warp dance class.
In addition to this, Rocky Horror devotees will be able to enjoy the show at the Manchester Palace Theatre in specially-priced commemorative tickets priced at either £19.73 or £40.
The musical tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky clean college kids who meet Dr Frank ’n’ Furter by chance when their car breaks down near his castle en route to visit their former college professor.
It proves to be an adventure they’ll never forget, with fun, frolics and frivolity, bursting with outrageous outfits and classic songs like Science Fiction/Double Feature, Dammit Janet and classic dancefloor-filler The Time-Warp.
Directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror Show famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music while encouraging audience participation.
Anniversary celebrations include:
Monday June 17
Cast question time. 10pm (Theatre auditorium)
Your chance to ask the questions you’ve always wanted to. Stay in your seats post show and you’ll be joined by the cast.
Hosted by Philip Franks who plays The Narrator.
Free to ticketholders.
Tuesday June 18
Behind The Basque backstage tour. 5.15pm & 6pm (Revue cocktail bar)
There are 40 exclusive seats available at £60 each.
Includes backstage tour and meet and greet with the cast after the show.
Best Dressed Competition. 7.15pm (Theatre auditorium)
Do you have more feathers on your boa and higher stilettos than any other? Winners will be chosen by the Rocky Clap-o-meter live on stage.
Free to ticket holders.
Don’t Dream It, Be It! Winners Performance. During the show (Theatre Auditorium)
The winners of the Don’t Dream It, Be It! open Auditions, Jenna and Matt, will be taking to the stage in the finale to bring their own kind of Rocky Horror glitter to the show for one night only.
Wednesday June 19
The 40th anniversary party night. 8pm (theatre auditorium)
Join the cast and some very special guests to celebrate 40 years to the day that The Rocky Horror Show opened at The Royal Court in London.
Expect celebrity appearances, fun and frolics and a special message from a very special person.
Tickets cost £19.73 and £40.
Thursday June 20
Behind The Basque backstage tour. 5.15pm & 6pm (Revue cocktail bar)
There are 40 very exclusive seats available at £60 each.
Includes a premium seat, backstage tour and meet and greet with the cast after the show.
Best dressed competition. 7.15pm (theatre auditorium)
Friday June 21
Best dressed competition. 7.45pm (theatre auditorium)
Saturday June 22
Meet the director. 10.30am – 11.30am (Circle Bar)
Join Rocky Horror Show director, Christopher Luscombe, for an informal Q & A session, where you have the chance to ask him about his personal experiences of directing The Rocky Horror Show.
Maximum 30 people, tickets cost £10.
Set Design master class. 11.30am – 12pm (theatre auditorium)
Rocky Horror Show set designer Hugh Durrant will take you on a journey around the set model box and discuss what inspired his vision for the current set.
Tickets cost £10.
Frank N Furter Makeover. 12.30pm – 2pm / 2.30pm – 4pm (Stalls prom)
If your look is more rock bottom than Rocky Horror join our costume, wig and make up experts for handy hints on how to recreate the authentic Rocky Horror Style.
Tickets cost £10
Time Warp Dance Tutorial. 12pm – 12.30pm / 2pm – 2.30pm (on stage)
Join Rocky Horror Show’s choreographer Nathan Wright at his drop-in Time Warp Tutorials.
You may know the moves already, but Nathan will show you how to jump to the left and then step to the right like never before.
Free of charge.
Best Dressed Competition. 7.45pm (theatre auditorium)
For more information, or to book tickets call 0844 871 3019 or visit www.atgtickets.com/manchester (booking fee applies).
Pictures courtesy of Manuel Harlan, with thanks
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
