The Rocky Horror Show has been a stage phenomenon for more than 50 years. With its fishnet stocking-wearing sweet transvestite from Transylvania Frank-N-Furter and its wholesome couple Janet and Brad, who find themselves marooned in Frank’s castle, it is a theatrical experience in which audiences dress as the characters, shout at the stage and generally have a great time.

And yet for actor Jackie Clune, the first time she saw the stage show was the day before she was to take on the role of the Narrator.

“About three-and-a-half years ago I got a text from the director saying do you want to come and play the Narrator in Rocky Horror?

“I knew the movie but had never seen the stage show. I love musicals and knew the stage show was fun so thought why not? The first time I watched it was the day before I went on stage to do it and I was amazed by the cult status of it - the fact that everyone knows the shout-outs and everyone knows what is going on all the way through.

“The show is so much about the audience. It felt like a cult that I wasn’t a part of - but now I’m very much one of the cult ringleaders.”

Jackie laughs at the memory and admits there were initially surprises for her.

“The Narrator is the only person who talks to the audience and they talk back to them and it’s very much that the audience is another character that the Narrator is in dialogue with. And early on the audience knew a lot more than me!

“There are some shout outs that are very much set in stone which I was ready for but there are some quite niche ones that I didn’t know. So, for example, in the film the Narrator had quite a short neck so there are shout-outs about the shortness of the Narrator’s neck.

“I didn’t know about that and I felt a bit insulted about it! I was thinking ‘my neck is normal length and even if it weren’t, why are you being so personal about it?’

“Also they sometimes shout out ‘boring’ when the Narrator comes because they are the traditional strait-laced one and I didn’t know about that so when I walked on and they shouted ‘boring’ I thought ‘Oh my God, this crowd is feral!’

“That was a learning curve. Sometimes I am still surprised but mostly I can figure out what needs to happen in a moment.”

For Jackie, it is that buzz from the audience which she enjoys so much.

“With some audiences the show is more like a chat and I love that. You go to these big cities in the UK, Birmingham is one of them, and the people are just funny and it’s like having a laugh in the pub. That’s what I love about this job, when I’m onstage and the audience are really up for it.”

Created by Richard O’Brien, The Rocky Horror Show premiered in London in 1973 and has since toured the globe numerous times.

“The show is brilliant, the performers are amazing, the costumes are iconic, the songs - you’re never more than 90 seconds away from an absolute banger,” Jackie says. “It’s just a great fun show that goes at a hell of a pace and it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

“I see people coming to the show, you know big guys dressed in heels and suspenders who obviously have never dressed up like that before in their lives, and it’s just fun and they look completely happy.”

But, she says, the tale does have important things to say.

“It’s a very silly script but I think also it’s still relevant. It’s about personal liberation, the idea of don’t dream it, be it or let it all hang out and be who you are.

“I think the message of tolerance, liberation, celebrating difference, is still unfortunately very relevant. In fact LGBTQ+ rights are being rolled back all over the country and this musical says let people be who they are and celebrate that.

“My son, who is 21 and a student, came to see it for the first time when I was in Cardiff and I warned him that it’s quite rude and I say some terrible things. He said afterwards he found it quite emotional because it’s wholesome. And it is in a way.”

Perhaps it is not surprising that Jackie has found her way to the Rocky Horror Show as her 40-year career has seen her in so many completely different roles. She began as a singer and comedian, performed at Edinburgh Fringe and then went on to work in drama including an all-female Shakespeare’s Henry IV and Noel Coward’s Fallen Angels as well as performing lead roles in hit musicals including Mamma Mia! and Billy Elliot.

She has worked as a university lecturer and radio journalist, has appeared in television shows as diverse as EastEnders, the drama Three Girls and chat show Loose Women and has published two books.

And for her, variety is definitely the spice of life.

“You have to have a portfolio career these days,” she says. “With musicals, it’s a hard life, you have to keep fit and take care of your voice, so straight drama also appeals. I love art that means something, that tries to achieve something, but I also like silliness. And I don’t think we have to be one thing.”

The role of Narrator in Rocky Horror Show was initially played by men but women have increasingly been stepping into those shoes.

“I think it’s really great to have a woman Narrator,” Jackie says.  “A lot of the audience are female and there’s a lot of phallic imagery and reference in the show and I try to counter that with a bit of female stuff.

“I love to hear the women in the audience screaming with laughter and recognition, that’s a great perk in this job for me.

“And I think women of our age are under-represented a lot of the time and if we are represented it’s in quite cliched battleaxe roles so it’s great to be silly, funny, acerbic, have control of the stage and be of my generation. It’s not something that we see enough.”

When the show comes to Birmingham Alexandra Theatre this July, it is a return for Jackie as she also played the Narrator on last year’s UK tour.

“Birmingham audiences are very good,” she says. “When I was at the Alex last year with the show, it was great. I do love it because there’s so much going on in Birmingham and the audiences are always really fun. That Black Country sense of humour is quite deadpan, quite droll, I love it.”

And she urges audiences, those familiar with the show and newcomers, to see the production this time round.

“People should come along, The Rocky Horror Show is a community event and I think that community aspect of it is so missing in our culture so much of the time.

“That is what theatre has to offer which no other artform does, you need to be with other people experiencing it. There’s nothing I like more than that wave of laughter you get from 1,200 people all experiencing the same thing at the same moment - it’s joyful.”

The Rocky Horror Show shows at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre from Monday 6 to Saturday 11 July 

Feature by Diane Parkes

on Fri, 03 Jul 2026

The Rocky Horror Show, which this year celebrates its 52nd birthday, has been seen by more than 35 million theatre-goers, many of whom have watched the musical again and again and again.

But it’s not just the audience who keep returning to the show, many in the cast have also racked up years and hundreds of performances – because they just can’t stay away. 

Rejoining the cast for the current tour are Stephen Webb as the crazed Dr Frank-N-Furter and Haley Flaherty as the seemingly innocent Janet – and both are serial Rocky Horror performers.

Stephen first donned Frank’s fishnets in 2018 and has played the Sweet Transvestite from Transexual Transylvania more than 1,300 times - and he continues to relish every performance.

“I never get bored of the show,” he says. “The reason I came back is because it’s so much fun. It’s not just the show but also the fans. They come dressed in their costumes, they have their shout outs, they come day in and day out. There’s a lot of love for the show and I always try to live up to it.

“When I play Frank I feel like a bit of a pop star, like Mick Jagger, because as soon as I come out everyone screams for me, even before I’ve said a word.

“Everyone has a good night out and it’s brilliant. We’ve had people tell us afterwards that they didn’t know what to expect but they loved it. Then I always say, welcome to the family’ because once you’ve seen it once, you’ll come and see it again.”

Created by Richard O’Brien in 1973, The Rocky Horror Show features the adventure of newly engaged couple Brad and Janet who, when their car breaks down, ask for help at a nearby castle. Inside they find not only the Frankenstein-like Dr Frank-N-Furter but they also discover a lot about themselves they could never have imagined.

For Stephen, who began his acting career at the age of eight in a West End production of Oliver! and has appeared in shows as diverse as Jersey Boys, Guys and Dolls, Saturday Night Fever and Kiss Me, Kate, the role of Frank-N-Furter was irresistible.

“It really pushes me out of my comfort zone. I’d never done a show like this before. I’d never put on make-up, high heels and stockings,” he says. “And when I do that, and put on the wig, it changes my persona.

“My make-up wasn’t great to start with, but now I’ve perfected it to a 20-minute routine. I was given the tip, apply it as though you’ve stolen it from your mother’s purse and are putting it on yourself.

“The high heels were difficult to start with because I was getting a lot of blisters - strutting around in them and dancing can be quite painful. I got used to them quite quickly and think I have a certain flair with them. They also tone up your legs and bum and change your posture, so I love wearing them now!”

Stephen has also gained a fuller understanding of Frank over the years.

“There’s light and shade to Frank, more than just strutting around in heels. He is a psychopathic, narcissistic alien but, towards the end of the second half, you see the mask taken off and the true person beneath.”

Haley first played Janet in 2009 and has returned to the role various times.

“When we opened this tour, I was reminded of why I keep coming back. Janet is an amazing character. You start off as one version of Janet and then she goes through this whole awakening journey throughout the show. By the end you get to play this character who is a lot more evolved and who has a lot more to think about. She is great fun to play, a real gift.

“And for me, it’s also being part of the Rocky family. The music, the storyline and all the wacky characters are just phenomenal.”

That family includes the audiences. Packed full of songs including Sweet Transvestite, The Time Warp and Dammit Janet, the stage show encourages audiences to don costumes and join in the fun.

“UK audiences are perfect, they know all the shout outs and the fan base is huge which makes the show what it is,” says Haley who has also appeared in West End and touring productions including The Mousetrap, Chicago, Grease, Love Never Dies and Mamma Mia!

“There are people who have been coming for years, they have their costumes and we see a lot of the same faces again and again. I’ve never seen anything like the support for the show. It is a testament to the show, not only me coming back as a performer but people watching it again and again.”

Haley believes Rocky Horror’s popularity is down to a recipe of the right ingredients.

“Every single song is a banger, they’re so cleverly written. And then you’ve got this story which people love. People come and, for a couple of hours, they can be just who they want to be. There’s no judgement there.

“The show talks about finding your own identity and that everyone is different. That feels like it’s almost more relevant now than it was when it was first performed back in the seventies. Everyone is talking about identity these days and trying to find out who they are.”

The Rocky Horror Show plays Belgrade Theatre Coventry from 22-27 October then returns to the West Midlands next spring playing Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 13-18 April and The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham from 6-11 July. 

Feature by Diane Parkes

on Wed, 17 Sep 2025

With previous roles in touring productions of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Rock Of Ages, We Will Rock You and Aladdin under his belt, musical theatre star Adam Strong is currently wearing the iconic heels of Frank N Furter in The Rocky Horror Show. 
What’s On recently caught up with Adam to find out more about his performance pathway so far...

Where are you from, Adam? 
I grew up in Sunderland and am based just outside of Durham - although I'm never there, due to work.  

When did you first realise you had some talent, and who encouraged you?
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, which was Jerome in The Sound Of Music at the Sunderland Empire. I've loved musicals since being a child - the first time I saw The Phantom Of The Opera on stage, I was hooked. 

Was there a moment when you realised you wanted to be a professional performer, and is there a role that changed everything for you?
When I auditioned for We Will Rock You. I’m a massive Queen fan, and I knew it was time to move from understudy to playing a role of my own. And it worked out. 

What was your first major role, and is there a role that has a special significance. 
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 arenas was just unbelievable. 
Also, playing Jafar in Disney's Aladdin was very personal to me. Watching the animated film was the first time I had seen anyone who looked like me on screen [Adam describes himself as half Middle Eastern]. Disney is so conscientious about casting a diverse company. 

You've performed all over the world. Do you have any highlights?
I have many career highlights, but I think performing opposite Brian May for our gala performance of We Will Rock You will always stick out as one of my proudest moments. 

What do you love about playing Frank N Furter? 
It’s such an empowering role, and I get to sing all of my favourite songs and be part of the musical’s history. I've been a massive Rocky Horror Show fan for many, many years, and I've studied many different Franks - so for me, it just felt like the right fit. 

The Rocky Horror Show fanbase is legendary. What’s your experience of them?
The fans are so supportive of the show! I get a lot of gifts, which is very kind, as I love show memorabilia. 

Rocky Horror has been pushing boundaries for 50 years. Do you think it still has that same rebellious edge in 2025? 
Oh, I think the show is timeless and always will be! I had a chat with our wonderful director, Chris Luscombe, in rehearsals, and we had a look at the script from the 1970s - it's almost identical!

Adam Strong stars in The Rocky Horror Show when it visits the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Monday 5 to Saturday 10 May, and the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, from Monday 22 to Saturday 27 September

on Mon, 28 Apr 2025

The Rocky Horror Show visits the Midlands multiple times this spring, as part of its latest UK tour. The production features Jackie Clune, perhaps best known for her role on Motherland, alongside numerous stage, screen and radio appearances. Jackie plays the Narrator - a role which requires quick thinking and sharp wit, as it often involves fielding heckled lines from the show's enthusiastic audience.

What's On spoke to Jackie to find out more...

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The Rocky Horror Show is something of a phenomenon… How would you describe the show to someone who’s never seen it?

When I first got the job, I'd never seen it - I'd seen the film, obviously - but the night we first started, I went to watch it, and I was completely gobsmacked at how mad it was! It’s the story of Brad and Janet, who ended up in a creepy mansion that's run by a transvestite alien. Everyone learns a lot about life and love in that creepy mansion. I describe it as ‘kinky church’, because the audience is very much a congregation, very much a part of the action. They play a key role - heckling, shouting things out, dressing up… It's an incredible night out, with an extremely silly story, and some very beautiful music. The songs are incredible. As the narrator, I don't get to sing in the show, but I'm always backstage belting them out, because I love them so much.

It's very audience-inclusive. I think we lack opportunities to be in a group of people having a good time, that feels really inclusive. It’s silly, the songs are brilliant, it's timeless - and because people feel so involved in it, they feel a sense of ownership of it. 

 

How does a live show compare with other types of performance? 

It's my favourite thing. I've been really lucky in the last few years, I've done quite a lot of television and film. I liked it a lot, but it's totally different - you feel like you're working in a vacuum. In live theatre, it's so immediate - anything can happen, and you have to be on your toes. I like that, it keeps you alert. There's nothing like it - the experience of live theatre is unique every night, even though it's the same show.

Playing the narrator is such a buzz, because I don't know what they're going to shout at me. I have to be hyper-vigilant, so I can come back at them, and make sure that I win - I want to be on top! That keeps me on my toes. 

 

And how do you prepare for that audience interaction?

There are some standard shout-outs that generally always happen, and then there are some things that can randomly happen - and you have to be prepared for both. I like to try and keep it topical, so for example when Liz Truss was prime minister, I used to do a little bit about her, when I first started doing Rocky. Obviously I wouldn't do that now, because she's not relevant anymore… I prepare the topical stuff a little bit. I like to do something that's about the local area that changes wherever we are - and there are some things that always get a laugh, that you use pretty much everywhere… Normally, I ask the theatre crew, because they're always the best at giving me the local lowdown. I'll ask ‘Who do you hate? Who's your nearest rival? Or, Who do you think is stupid?’ 

 

Your career has taken you across different media - TV, radio, musicals - do you have a moment that you’re particularly proud of - a highlight?

Every job has its own highlights. Being in Motherland was great, I'd say that's probably my favorite TV job. An Agatha Christie that I filmed last summer (Towards Zero) is coming out on Sundays on BBC iPlayer, and that was fun, to play a housekeeper in the 1930s. The international tour of Mamma Mia, where I played the lead, that was great - and also I did an all-female Shakespeare trilogy in London at the Donmar Warehouse, which was really groundbreaking. It was huge to play Julius Caesar, as a woman in my 40s.

 

Do you have any routines that help get you through the run?

I love to do a crossword backstage - in the wardrobe department of Rocky, the guy that used to run the wardrobe had a little book of crosswords in between scenes. I would sit with him doing a quick crossword, and singing along. You get to have a lot of fun backstage. There's a whole show that goes on behind the curtains, that nobody sees. I'm quite laid back, so I don't get too nervous. I think it's just fun, and we're lucky to have a job that we love. I tend to just take it as it comes.

I like to go out for a drink in a nice local bar after the show, and then in the daytime I try to see whatever there is to see in that local area... I've played at the Alex a couple of times before - years ago I was in Nine to Five: The Musical there. We're so lucky in the UK. I really wish that there was more investment in theatres - the buildings and companies - because it can be the lifeblood of a place. I don't think we cherish them enough.

 

And finally - as the Narrator, are you envious of the rest of the cast’s costumes? 

Absolutely not! I'll be 60 at the end of this year - I can barely believe that. I can't walk in heels anymore, and your legs just don't look so good in flats. So no, I'll keep my trousers on, thank you very much!

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The Rocky Horror Show visits Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre from Mon 17 until Sat 22 March, Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn from Mon 7 until Sat 12 April, and Stoke-on-Trent's Regent Theatre from Mon 5 until Sat 10 May. 

on Mon, 03 Mar 2025