Interview: Adam Strong, Rocky Horror Show in Darlington

 Talking Frankly With Adam Strong

North East born Adam Strong will be donning his best pair of fishnet stocking as he struts on to the Darlington Hippodrome stage as Frank n Furter in the UK Tour of The Rocky Horror Show at the end of March. We spoke to Adam about the show, his role and his stage highlights.

Adam Strong (Frank n Furter)
Photo:  David Freeman

Age, partner, kids, pets?? Where you live now? When did you first realise you had some talent - was it encouraged at school? At home?

I have 5 dogs at the family home, I’m based just outside of Durham, but I’m always on the tour. 

My sister was a dancer for many years, and I used to love watching her, especially in the Panto at the Sunderland Empire, which she did for many years. She was the one who encouraged me to get started in musical theatre and helped me land my first role in the Sound of Music at the Sunderland Empire.

Adam Strong (Frank n Furter)
Photo:  David Freeman

Tell me a bit about your childhood, growing up in the North East. Do you still consider yourself a North-Easterner? Do you still have your Sunderland accent?

I very much consider myself as someone from the North East. My accent is quite mild now. But it certainly comes out when I speak to my Mam, or when I’m at home. 

What was the first major role you played and where?

My first musical as an adult was Jesus Christ Superstar, the Arena tour, Starring Tim Minchin and Mel C, I played a priest and understudied the role of Annas. I had the most amazing time touring the world with that show and performing in an arena was just unbelievable.

Adam Strong (Frank n Furter)
Photo:  David Freeman

You've performed all over the world. What have been the highlights (venues and roles).

I have many career highlights, I think performing opposite Brian May for our Gala Performance of We Will Rock You will always stick out as being one of my proudest moments. The North East always has a special place in my heart, so anytime I get to come home to perform is a blessing. 

Have you played Frank n Furter before - what do you love about the role?

I haven’t played Frank before until this tour, it has always been a dream and goal of mine. It’s such an empowering role and I get to sing all of my favourite songs and be part of the cult musical’s history. 

Adam Strong

Are you looking forward to performing back in the region and will you be visiting family while you are here? Do you get to come back home to Sunderland much? And when you do, what are your favourite places in the region to visit?

I can’t wait to bring the show back to the North East, I’ve got a lot of friends and family who are coming to support me. I’ll be staying at my house which is rare and my parents live on the same street as me, so I can’t wait for some home cooked food and to get to see the dogs. I get back home when I can, it just all depends on my tour schedule, I’m quite south for a lot of this tour, so not as much as I’d like. I’m looking forward to getting some fresh sea air when I’m home and having some proper fish and chips, nobody does it like we do. 

What's next on the Adam Strong agenda?

As for what’s next, it’s way too early to say, I’m with Rocky Horror until the end of August, so I haven’t even started auditioning for the next project as yet.  

Tickets:

The Rocky Horror Show runs at Darlington Hippodrome from Monday 31 March to Saturday 5 April. For full details or to book visit www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01325 405405