Glitter, heels and all round fabulousness at the ready. The Rocky Horror Show is in Cov from 4-8 October and we are here for it!

How does it feel to see Rocky Horror become such a cult classic?

I hope what I’ve done professionally on stage has entertained and made people feel a little bit better when they leave the theatre. I’ve never done anything for back-slapping purposes, to make myself feel elevated in any kind of way. I’m just so grateful that I’ve been part of something that has so uniquely left its mark.

How’s it stood the test of time (besides being bloody fabulous)?

It’s very inclusive, it’s very easy to watch. It’s not rocket science as far as narrative is concerned – Brad and Janet are a couple that we kind of recognise as Adam and Eve or Romeo and Juliet, like a stereotypical couple – we can all relate to them. It is a fairytale – we even like the nasty characters, we love the Cruella De Vil kind of character, Frank N Furter. The fact that it is such light-hearted naughtiness, combined with root fairy tales has a lot to do with its longevity.

What can we expect at The Belgrade that’s different to the movie?

The live show has an energy that the movie doesn’t have – it wasn’t intentional, but the film was very slow. The movie is a very surreal, almost dreamlike journey, the live show is far more rock and roll.

Any advice for Rocky Horror newbies?

None – just come with an open heart and a good will or not at all. I always worry that maybe the fans might steal the evening. I don’t ever want the show to be just a few people having fun and the rest of the audience thinking that they’ve arrived at a party that they weren’t invited to, so that’s important.

No spoilers, but what’s your favourite part of the show?

The noise at the end of Rocky is wonderful – it is empowering and exhilarating at the same time it is quite joyous. Rocky never fails to deliver. Each performance lifts the heart and the nightly laughter and roars of approval leave the whole cast with a sense of wellbeing and accomplishment that you rarely get from any other shows.

Visit www.belgrade.co.uk to book tickets for the show from 4-8 October (fancy dress optional – but I’ll be in head to toe glitter).

Let’s do the time warp! Muddy catches up with Richard O’Brien

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