Story

The Rocky Horror Show

colour photograph of an actor performing on stage wearing a corset and suspenders.

Celebrating 50 years of a cult queer classic

by
Adrian Murphy (opens in new window) (Europeana Foundation)

Drawing inspiration from B-movies and science fiction, The Rocky Horror Show is now an internationally recognised cult musical, both as a stage show and film.

The Rocky Horror Show was first performed in June 1973, debuting at the Royal Court Theatre in London.

colour photograph of a theatre building lit up at night with neon lights.

The musical was written by actor Richard O'Brien to pay homage to B-movies, science fiction and horror films from the 1930s to the 1960s.

With music and visuals inspired by glam rock, it tells the story of a newly engaged couple getting caught in a storm and coming to the home of scientist, Dr Frank-N-Furter, who unveils his new creation, Rocky, a monster in the form of a tanned, blonde muscular man.

colour still photograph from a film, four actors in costume stand in a group looking to the left.
colour photograph of an actor in costume during a Rocky Horror Show production.

The Rocky Horror Show was influenced by, and also an influence on, counter-cultural and sexual liberation movements that followed in the 1970s and 1980s. It was one of the first musicals to depict characters who were liberated and had fluid sexualities.

black and white cartoon image of an actor wearing fishnet tights.

As such, it has become beloved within LGBTQ+ communities and is celebrated for its subversive portrayal of sexuality and gender.

From its first production at the Royal Court, in 1973, The Rocky Horror Show moved to other cinemas and theatresin London. Its popularity soon grew, with productions being staged around the world in the following years.

By the 1980s, it had been performed across Europe, with productions in Copenhagen, Madrid, Paris, the Netherlands, Barcelona, Oslo and Ghent. The Rocky Horror Show also went beyond Europe, with shows in Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, Australia and more.

poster for 'The Rocky Horror Sister Show' which includes text and bright red lips.
cinema poster with text listing film names in Hungarian.

In 1975, The Rocky Horror Picture Show - a movie version of the musical - was released. It was filmed in the United Kingdom, with some scenes shot at Oakley Court, a country house in Berkshire.

colour photograph of exterior of a cinema at night, with lit up marquee.
black and white photograph of a large country house illuminated at night.

The film was initially reviewed negatively, but it found a loving audience who regularly attended screenings and productions, often dressed as characters.

This interactivity, where fans can have an active role in celebrating Rocky Horror helps to explain its long-running appeal over 50 years.

colour photograph of a Rocky Horror Show stage production.
colour photograph of an arena lit up in red, with a blue ferris wheel and Cologne cathedral in the background.

Today The Rocky Horror Show - both the musical and film - are cult classics, still performed and screened around the world. It is celebrated as a queer artform as it highlights gender fluidity and non-conformity, by diverse audiences who love its camp and catchy songs.

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