The Rocky Horror Show returns to Bristol Hippodrome in 2026
Posted on: 19 Jun 2025The Rocky Horror Show returns to The Bristol Hippodrome from 13-18 July 2026 with shows at 8pm Monday through Thursday and double performances at 5pm and 8.3pm on the Friday and Saturday nights.
GET TICKETS HERE
Ready to thrill you with fun and naughty moments, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show comes to your city as part of a new world tour.
Having been seen by over 35 million theatregoers, The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet. When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank-n-Furter. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity.
Directed by Christopher Luscombe, The Rocky Horror Show is the biggest party and features timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet, and of course, the pelvic thrusting showstopping Time Warp.
The Rocky Horror Show: A Cult Theatrical Phenomenon
When The Rocky Horror Show first opened at London’s tiny Royal Court Theatre Upstairs in June 1973, no one could have predicted it would become one of the most enduring cult musicals in theatre history. Created by Richard O’Brien, this irreverent, genre-bending production has since taken the world by storm — celebrated for its bold themes, outrageous costumes, and unwavering audience participation.
A Brief History
Richard O’Brien, a struggling actor at the time, wrote The Rocky Horror Show as a tribute to the science fiction and horror B-movies of the 1940s through the 1970s. The show’s story follows innocent couple Brad and Janet as they seek shelter in a mysterious castle, only to encounter the flamboyant and enigmatic Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a self-proclaimed “sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania,” and his bizarre entourage.
After its humble debut, the show quickly gained popularity, transferring to larger London venues before crossing the Atlantic. In 1975, it was adapted into the cult film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which, despite an initial lukewarm reception, blossomed into a midnight movie favorite and one of the longest-running theatrical releases in film history.
Theatrical Style and Legacy
The stage version of The Rocky Horror Show is known for its infectious rock 'n' roll score, tongue-in-cheek humor, and unapologetic embrace of sexual liberation. Songs like “Time Warp”, “Sweet Transvestite”, and “Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me” have become cultural staples, transcending the stage to become part of pop culture lore.
A distinctive feature of The Rocky Horror Show is its interactive nature. Over the years, audience participation has evolved into a crucial aspect of performances. Fans dress up as characters, shout witty callbacks to the stage, and dance in the aisles — turning each performance into a raucous, communal celebration of individuality and self-expression.
Modern Revivals and Influence
The show has enjoyed countless revivals worldwide, including annual tours, West End productions, and special anniversary performances featuring celebrity guest narrators. Its timeless themes of acceptance, freedom, and identity continue to resonate with new generations.
Not merely a piece of nostalgic camp, The Rocky Horror Show has played a significant role in the LGBTQ+ movement, offering one of the earliest mainstream platforms for queer representation and challenging conventional ideas of gender and sexuality onstage.
Conclusion
More than five decades since its debut, The Rocky Horror Show remains a testament to the power of theatre as a space for subversion, celebration, and community. Its enduring popularity proves that sometimes, the most unexpected ideas — a sci-fi musical about an alien cross-dresser and his Frankenstein-esque creation — can leave the most lasting cultural impact.
Whether you’re a seasoned “Time Warper” or a curious newcomer, attending a performance of The Rocky Horror Show is more than a night at the theatre — it’s a rite of passage into one of the world’s most beloved and defiant stage experiences.
Article by:
Bristol born and bred despite the name, Brendan has been working in the digital media sector for the last 15 years and advertising for the last 25 years. A wealth of knowledge about the city and more importantly at how to help businesses get as much online exposure as possible. Call Brendan on 07876 735153 or email Brendan@365bristol.com.
