BBC Radio 2 Announces Documentary to Celebrate 50 Years of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

BBC Radio 2 is to air a special programme celebrating 50 years of The Rocky Horror Show.

Let’s Do the Time Warp Again: The Rocky Horror Story is presented by actor and presenter Ore Oduba who is currently starring in a 50th birthday tour of the hit show.

In June 1973, a new musical was performed for the very first time in a theatre that could seat just over 60 people. It became an instant smash hit with audiences and critics alike, and its initial run of just three weeks soon exploded into a global phenomenon. In its 50 years, it has been performed everywhere from community centres to the West End and Broadway, and has been adapted for television and cinema. That musical is The Rocky Horror Show.

In this hour-long celebration, Ore Oduba, who has appeared in tours and a West End run of the show, speaks to cast members and producers of productions past and present about their memories of Rocky and the impact it's had on their careers and lives, including Jason Donovan, Patricia Quinn, Gordon Kennedy, and current director Christopher Luscombe. 

Ore hears from creator Richard O'Brien about where the idea for the outlandish show came from. The original Columbia, Little Nell, tells us where she was 'discovered' and Rayner Bourton, who played the titular Rocky Horror in 1973, explains what it's like taking the show abroad. And because The Rocky Horror Show is rarely out of production, Ore also takes us behind the scenes of a recent tour to capture the energy and excitement backstage. 

Producer Kurt Brookes says: “Working closely with Ore in making this celebration of “The Rocky Horror Show” has been a joy and I hope the Radio 2 audience, and dedicated Rocky fans, will enjoy listening to it as much as we did making it.”

Executive Producer Ashley Byrne says: “Rocky Horror is a cult phenomenon. This show was massively ahead of its time and it’s great that we’re able to mark this 50th birthday by bringing together an array of people who made it a success. Meanwhile for us at Made in Manchester it’s been great to produce such a fun programme in our 18th birthday year.”

The programme includes many of the iconic numbers made famous by the show including "The Time Warp", "Sweet Transvestite" and "Don’t Dream It Be It".

Let’s Do the Time Warp Again: The Rocky Horror Story is a Made in Manchester Production for the BBC, it airs on Radio 2 on 3 June 1-2am and is available on BBC Sounds here.

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