Preview: The Rocky Horror Show at Sunderland Empire

Follow North East Theatre Guide on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NETheatreGuideand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NETheatreGuide

“Still the sexiest and funniest show in town” Evening Standard

The Rocky Horror Show

Sunderland Empire

Monday 15^th – Saturday 20^th February 2016

 CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT:  DIANA VICKERS (X FACTOR / LITTLE VOICE); PAUL CATTERMOLE (S CLUB 7); BEN FREEMAN (EMMERDALE); KRISTIAN LAVERCOMBE (ROCKY HORROR SHOW 40^thANNIVERSARY TOUR); TO STAR IN NEW UK TOURING PRODUCTION OF THE LEGENDARY MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA

Since its first appearance at the Royal Court Theatre in June 1973, Richard O’Brien’s The RockyHorror Show has become the world’s favourite Rock N’ Roll musical. It has been performed worldwide for over 40 years in over 30 countries and has been translated into more than 20 languages. Director Christopher Luscombe created a stunning new production to celebrate the 40^th Anniversary and this critically acclaimed version of the classic show is back by popular demand, now embarking on a year-long national adventure starting at Brighton’s Theatre Royal on 14 December 2015.

 

Diana Vickers

X Factor finalist and star of the stage version of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Diana Vickers will star in the role of Janet Weiss. S Club 7star, Paul Cattermole, will play the role of Eddie and Dr. Scott. Emmerdale actor. Ben Freeman, will join Diana and Paul, playing the role of Brad Majors. Following his huge success in over 900 performances of the 40^thAnniversary Global Tour of The Rocky Horror Show, Kristian Lavercombe returns as Riff Raff. Further casting to be announced soon.

Diana Vickers (Janet) first came to public attention in 2008 when she was a finalist on The X Factor, before signing a record deal with RCA Records and getting a number one single and album. After her second album, Diana starred in the West End production of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, for which she received excellent reviews from the press and the role won her the Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers’ Choice Awards ‘London Newcomer of the Year’. She then went on to star in the West End production of Duck House alongside Ben Miller and Simon Shepherd.

Paul Cattermole

Paul Cattermole (Eddie / Dr. Scott) has just completed the sold out S Club 7 Bring It All Back 2015 UK Tour with the other members of S Club 7 after they reformed at the start of the year. The group initially shot to fame in 1999 and had four number one singles and a number one album, as well as a series of TV shows including Miami 7, LA 7, Hollywood 7 and Viva S Club. Paul and the rest of S Club 7 also performed at Party At The Palace as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubliee celebrations on 1 June 2002.

Ben Freeman

Ben Freeman (Brad) is best known for playing the role of Scott Windsor in Emmerdale, but he also starred on stage in the West End productions of Legally Blonde, Dreamcoats and Petticoats and Wicked. He has also starred as The Fonz in the UK touring production of Happy Days.

Kristian Lavercombe (Riff Raff) delighted fans when he starred in over 900 performances of The Rocky Horror Show as Riff Raff in The RockyHorror Show’s 2013 / 2014 40^th Anniversary World Tour in 2013, before continuing in the role as part of the global 40^th Anniversary Tour.

This musical extravaganza features all of its famous musical classics including “Science Fiction/Double Feature”, “Dammit Janet” and of course, the timeless floor-filler, “The Time-Warp”.

The Rocky Horror Show was first performed on 19 June 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre and continues to break box office records around the world, currently selling out in Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Japan and Austria. It 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 outside his house whilst on their way to visit their former college professor. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity, bursting with timeless songs and outrageous outfits. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror Show is a guaranteed party, which famously combines science-fiction, horror, comedy and music and encourages audience participation meaning, of course, getting dressed in your most outrageous fancy dress.

Many stars, including Russell Crowe, Tim Curry, Jerry Springer and Meatloaf have appeared in The Rocky Horror Show over the past four decades. Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show is the boldest bash of them all. Be warned, this show has rude parts! 

Tickets:

Tickets available in person at Sunderland Empire Box Office, by calling 0844 871 3022* or by booking online at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland* plus a transaction fee applies.