Richard O'Brien: THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW Wouldn't Get Made Today

On the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Show, Richard O’Brien has said he does not believe that the show would get made today.

In an interview with The Big Issue, O'Brien said that the success of the show at London's Royal Court Theatre in 1973 didn't excite him. “I’ve watched dispassionately for many, many years, this show go on and on and on. It’s an entertainment, little more than that. Or that’s what I would have said.” he said.

“Now, I’m going to rethink that, up until very recently, I’ve argued that it is just a piece of silly nonsense. But the religious right has started becoming vocal and horrible. Nationalism in America is terrifying. The lack of kindness towards the LGBT+ [community] is astonishing. And we’re taking steps backwards. So, I think maybe Rocky is becoming more important by default.”

When The Rocky Horror Show opened, sex between men had only been legalised for those living in England and Wales six years previously. Those in Scotland would have to wait until 1980, and Northern Ireland until 1982. The show celebrated subverting the social narrative and continues to do so. Rocky Horror is now in its 50th year – making it the longest running Contemporary Stage musical in the world, seen by 30 million people in more than 30 countries.

“It’s a place for the marginalised. I see Rocky, now, as a rainbow event,” he said. “I’m not a flag waver. Patriotism is the final refuge of the scoundrel. Trump is always on about patriotism, and we know he’s the most unpatriotic person in the world. He divided America, set nice people against each other, and demonised kindness and gentleness and civility. But the flag I would stand by is the rainbow flag. And I think Rocky is important in that respect.” 

He blames social media for “screwing us up” and says he doesn’t know if something like The Rocky Horror Show could exist today. "I worry about the fact that we have to walk on eggshells around everybody, you know, and that’s annoying.” 

“I think my problem, as the author, would be when I start to overthink myself,” says O’Brien. “You’re so busy being worried about what you can do and what you can’t do, you won’t do it at all. You’re stuck. Don’t get me wrong – #MeToo is exactly right. And people that bang on about cancel culture are lying. It isn’t cancel culture, it’s cultural evolution. Let’s grow up and move on and get better.” 

The Rocky Horror Show 50th Anniversary Tour runs across the UK until October. 

Read the full article in The Big Issue here.

Photo Credit: David Freeman

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