Get your corsets ready, Aotearoa – the world’s boldest party is coming home! After 15 years away, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical The Rocky Horror Show is set to explode back onto New Zealand stages in February and March 2026 with an all-star international cast and a whole lot of glitter.
The cult classic will thrill audiences in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, with a West End-powered cast bringing the madness, the music, and the mayhem back where it all began.
A Star-Studded Return – With a Kiwi Twist
Leading the charge is acclaimed West End star Stephen Webb as the scandalous Dr Frank N. Furter. Critics have hailed Webb’s corset-clad performance as “utterly magnetic” and “born to wear the corset” — expect raw charisma, attitude, and plenty of fishnet.
In a true homecoming moment, New Zealand’s own Kristian Lavercombe returns as The Narrator, a role steeped in local history — famously played in the 1980s by former Prime Minister Sir Robert Muldoon. Lavercombe is a Rocky Horror icon, holding the world record for the most performances in the show’s history — over 2,000 shows globally.
“I’ve somehow performed in The Rocky Horror Show more than anyone in history — which probably says something about how much I love it,” says Lavercombe. “I can’t wait to bring the madness home to New Zealand!”
Meet the International Cast of Misfits
This electric company of West End and global stars includes:
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James Bisp (The Phantom of the Opera) as clean-cut Brad Majors
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Haley Flaherty (Matilda the Musical) as sweet-yet-sassy Janet Weiss
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Ryan Carter-Wilson (Jersey Boys) as razor-sharp Riff Raff
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Laura Bird (We Will Rock You) as powerhouse Magenta/Usherette
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Daisy Steere (42nd Street) as comic sparkplug Columbia
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Morgan Jackson (Heathers) as perfectly sculpted Rocky
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Edward Bullingham (Grease) as bold and boisterous Eddie/Dr Scott
Rounding out the cast are Phantoms Jesse Chidera, Nathan Zach Johnson, Tyla Dee Nurden and Bethany Amber Perrins, with David Peter-Brown (Dance Captain) and Lucy Aiston (Assistant Dance Captain).
New Zealand Tour Dates:
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Auckland – The Civic | 26 Feb – 8 March
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Christchurch – Isaac Theatre Royal | 11 – 15 March
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Wellington – St James Theatre | 18 – 29 March
50 Years of Fishnets, Frolics & Fabulousness
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, The Rocky Horror Show is more than just a musical – it’s a global phenomenon. Created by New Zealand’s own Richard O’Brien, it’s been seen by over 35 million people, translated into 20 languages, and holds the title of the longest continuously running contemporary musical in the world.
The plot? A sweet and squeaky-clean couple, Brad and Janet, find themselves stranded outside a mysterious mansion, where they’re swept into the wild world of Dr Frank N. Furter — a sweet transvestite with a flair for chaos, sequins, and science fiction.
With timeless hits like Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet, Science Fiction/Double Feature and the iconic Time Warp, the show remains the most outrageously fun night in theatre.
“What a great joy it is to have the world’s favourite rock and roll, rainbow musical, right back where it gestated. Break out the fishnets,” says Richard O’Brien.
This Is Your Invitation to Dress Up, Shout Out & Let Loose
Produced by Trafalgar Theatre Productions and GMG Productions — the team behind The Play That Goes Wrong, Madagascar The Musical and Beauty and the Beast — this high-octane revival promises an unforgettable night of frocks, frolics, and fabulousness.
🎭 Running Time: 2 hours (including interval)
🔞 Age Guidance: 12+ (contains naughty bits – and we wouldn’t have it any other way)
Book now via Ticketmaster or Ticketek — but be warned: these are strictly limited seasons.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a Rocky Horror virgin, this is your once-in-a-generation chance to shout “Dammit, Janet” and do the Time Warp again!
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!
