Here in Norwich, we’re lucky enough to welcome an array of amazing stars and shows to Norwich Theatre Royal. From West End musicals to award-winning ballets, international orchestras and sell-out comedians.
Returning once again this summer is legendary rock’n’roll musical The Rocky Horror Show (it’s a bucket list activity!), with none other than Australian superstar Jason Donovan reprising his role as the iconic Dr Frank’N’Furter.
To celebrate the show’s arrival, Norwich Theatre sat down with Jason to find out why the role is so appealing!
Written by Richard Barber, Neil Reading PR; Edited by Katie Thompson, VisitNorwich
The Rocky Horror Show is Richard O’Brien’s humorous tribute to various B movies associated with the science fiction and horror genres from the 1930s to the early 1960s. The musical tells the story of a newly engaged, clean-cut couple getting caught in a storm and coming to the home of a mad transvestite scientist, Dr Frank-N-Furter, unveiling his new creation, Rocky, a Frankenstein-style monster in the form of an artificially made, fully-grown, physically perfect muscle man complete with blond hair and a tan.
On the 50th anniversary of the musical in 2023, it is said the production had been performed in 20 different languages and seen by 30 million people globally.
Jason Donovan returns to Norwich in this much-loved musical
Jason Donovan is making a much-anticipated return to one of his most famous roles: playing Frank-N-Furter in Richard O’Brien’s anarchic musical, The Rocky Horror Show. So, the question has to be: why?
Jason: In a nutshell, I’m a fan. I love the show; I love the music; I love the character. I was touring my own show about five years ago and included ‘Sweet Transvestite’ from Rocky as a key moment in my musical career. It went down a storm.
After emailing producer Howard Panter saying that he’d read there was to be a 50th anniversary production of Rocky Horror and he’d love to be involved, so it came to pass: first in Sydney and Melbourne and now via an extensive UK tour. He’s the same performer but how does Jason feel about tackling the role over 25 years later?
Jason: I don’t feel uncomfortable, playing Frank at 56 – and, of course, I have personal reasons for being grateful to the show.
(It’s where he met his now wife Angela, with whom he has three children.)
As well as being known for small-screen fame in Neighbours, chart-topping pop stardom and starring in the likes of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, it is Dr Frank-N-Furter who occupies a special place in his heart.
Jason: One of the reasons I love Rocky is because it’s a short show. It says everything it needs to say and nothing more. There’s no unnecessary padding. It means nobody gets bored and you leave them wanting more.
Hand on heart, what’s it like climbing into those fishnet stockings and high heels seven times a week?
Jason: In many ways, very easy, I put on the costume and there’s Frank all over again. I’m in touch with my feminine side but I come from a masculine sensibility. The character embraces both sides of me: a strength and a vulnerability as well as danger and denial.
I come to the role as an actor. I always dreamed of fronting a rock band and this is about as close as I’ve got. When I put on those high heels, I become that rock ‘n’ roll star. It makes me feel powerful, tall, in charge.
And audiences love it. As I look out from the stage, I see a beautiful landscape of people wearing outrageous costumes. It’s not hard to see why: in many ways, Rocky is panto for adults. The costumes are just as much a part of the show as the characters and the music.
Tim Curry played Dr Frank N Furter in the 1975 film
Touring at any age is demanding and Jason is about to embark on a fairly punishing schedule. He’s just completed his Doin’ Fine tour, a greatest hits show and celebration of 35 years of work.
Jason: I spend a lot more time in physio these days, something I’ve put in as an appendix in my contract! I’m in my mid-50s. I’m aware of having to look after myself. Mental health and physical fitness go hand-in-hand for me. This life is a long journey, you hope. My dad gave me the tool of a good work ethic linked to physical activity.
On tour, I wake up a little later; there are no domestic chores to tackle – no trimming the ivy or doing the washing. And I’m a seasoned professional when it comes to locating any M&S or Waitrose.
And, of course, doing the show is a work-out in itself: I put a lot of energy into my performance.
Although my vocals were never my strongest point back in the day, since Joseph, I have worked really hard and through 30 years of strengthening my vocal cords – they’re a muscle like anything else – I’ve become a better singer. Rocky now plays to my strengths, less musical theatre, more edgy, a little bit rock ‘n’ roll. More me really!
His focus will be bringing Frank-N-Furter back to life, both for his own satisfaction and that of his inexhaustible audience.
Jason: I’ve reached a point of great contentment. As long as I have my family and my health, as long as I have a good life/work balance, I’m happy. I like to think I work to live, not the other way around.
The Rocky Horror Show is at Norwich Theatre Royal between 28 July – 2 August. You can book tickets via their website or box office on 01603 630 000. Tickets range from £15.
