Newcastle secures worldwide blockbuster musical The Rocky Horror Show

One of the world’s most iconic and highest selling musicals of all time, The Rocky Horror Show, has been secured to launch at Newcastle's Civic Theatre when it kicks off a new national tour in January 2024.

Sold out in London, Sydney and Melbourne, this 50th Anniversary world tour will continue its global celebrations in honour of the iconic rock ‘n’ roll musical with a new Australian production set to open at Civic Theatre from 12 January for three weeks only, starring Australian superstar Jason Donovan as Frank N Furter and Myf Warhurst as the Narrator.

The Rocky Horror Show will be the first in a new line-up of world class productions brought to Newcastle by leading British theatre producer Sir Howard Panter of Trafalgar Entertainment following his recent visit to the city.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the announcement and said she looked forward to Trafalgar launching a new national tour of The Rocky Horror Show in Newcastle.

“Seen by more than 30 million people in over 30 countries since making its debut in London in 1973, this spectacular international touring production is a major coup secured by City of Newcastle,” Cr Nelmes said.

“It's sure to enhance the cultural life of our city for Novocastrians and visitors this summer.

“Major events are a clear economic driver for our local visitor economy with 21,500 theatregoers flocking to Civic Theatre for the Broadway smash Come From Away back in February. The Rocky Horror Show will no doubt provide another significant drawcard for our city, with Jason Donovan and Myf Warhurst set to wow fans.

"The Rocky Horror Show will kick off a stellar line-up of international acts featured on Newcastle's 2024 major events calendar, with pop powerhouse Pink's world tour coming to McDonald Jones Stadium from 13 to 14 February, followed by the Broadway smash hit RENT at Civic Theatre in March."

Sir Howard Panter said Newcastle audiences are in for the time of their lives.

“We were excited by our trip to Newcastle in May of this year and identified the city as a growth city for global events, " Sir Panter said.

"We are thrilled to be able to bring the first of many new international smash hit theatre productions to the city, and what better way to start the party than with the ultimate rock 'n roll celebration, The Rocky Horror Show."

Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said Civic Theatre's status had been well and truly cemented on the national touring circuit for hosting global acts.

“The Rocky Horror Show is celebrating its 50-year anniversary this year with a storyline many are familiar with, and we're delighted to welcome the fun and nostalgia of this iconic global production to our city's historic Civic Theatre," Ms Wallace said.

"The success of Come From Away's three-week extended run demonstrated the demand for Broadway and West End productions in Newcastle, with theatregoers travelling from across the Hunter and as far as Tasmania and Queensland to sample Broadway, smashing previous box office ticket sales records."

The production runs for 120 minutes, including intermission and is recommended for ages 12 and older.

The Rocky Horror Show will be performed at Civic Theatre from 12 January until 4 February 2024, with tickets on sale now.

For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au