Rocky Horror Show Makes a Long-Awaited Comeback to NZ After 15 Years

Return of the Rocky Horror Show in New Zealand

The beloved musical, *The Rocky Horror Show*, is making its long-awaited return to New Zealand after a 15-year hiatus. This iconic production from the UK West End will tour Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch next March.

Creating a Cult Classic

Written by New Zealand native Richard O’Brien, the musical has been enchanting audiences for over 50 years with its distinctive mix of camp, horror, and sci-fi elements.

O’Brien composed the show when he was still a teenager in Hamilton and described it as a “rock and roll fairytale” and a “reimagining of Hansel and Gretel.”

“Rocky has an essential role in bringing us joy and unity, a purpose that was never originally intended,” he mentioned during a conversation with 1News.

Fans Eager for the Return

The excitement surrounding *The Rocky Horror Show* has ignited fervor among fans, including long-time supporter Sunita Torrance.

Torrance has even founded New Zealand’s only *Rocky Horror Show* shadowcast, where live actors perform alongside film screenings, mimicking the characters and engaging with the audience.

The Unique Experience

“It’s as if the characters are stepping off the screen and into the audience,” Torrance explained.

Narrator Kristian Lavercombe, who has portrayed Riff Raff over 2,700 times, noted that the energy from Rocky Horror audiences is unmatched.

“The audiences at *Rocky Horror* events are unlike any others. People often dress as the characters, and it was a precursor to cosplay before the term even existed,” he shared.

A Cultural Connection

New Zealand has embraced its ties to this iconic musical, featuring a statue of Richard O’Brien as Riff Raff in Hamilton, where he initially developed the concept while serving as a barber near the old Embassy Theatre.

“I was just a teenager, a bit of a rogue. My heart was set on rock and roll and B-movies,” O’Brien recalled.

Lavercombe added, “In many respects, New Zealand is Rocky’s spiritual home.”

Tickets for the shows will be available starting Tuesday.