World-Class Cast Announced for The Rocky Horror Show
Published: Monday 17 November 2025
Get ready to do the Time Warp again!
The producers of Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show, are thrilled to announce the dazzling cast for the 2026 New Zealand tour. After 15 years away, the world’s boldest party is back — and it’s bursting with West End talent.
This powerhouse international company will unleash their glitter and glory on Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in February and March 2026.
Leading the charge is acclaimed West End star Stephen Webb, reprising his acclaimed, corset-clad turn as the scandalous Dr Frank N. Furter — a performance hailed as “utterly magnetic” and “born to wear the corset”. Expect attitude, allure, and a whole lot of fishnet.
In a triumphant homecoming, New Zealand’s own Kristian Lavercombe will return to our stages as The Narrator – the role made famous in the 1980s by none other than Prime Minister Sir Robert Muldoon. A true Rocky Horror icon, Lavercombe holds the world record for the most performances by any actor in the history of the show, with over 2,000 appearances worldwide.
“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!”
Joining the chaos is a sensational cast of West End and international stars:
- James Bisp (The Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) as clean-cut Brad Majors, bringing powerhouse vocals and charm.
- Haley Flaherty (Matilda the Musical, Chicago, Mamma Mia!, Grease) as the sweet yet sassy Janet Weiss, reprising the role she’s made her own in the West End.
- Ryan Carter-Wilson (Jersey Boys) as the mischievous Riff Raff, bringing electric energy and razor-sharp wit.
- Laura Bird (We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia!, Evita) as the magnetic Magenta/Usherette, serving powerhouse vocals and rock-goddess flair.
- Daisy Steere (Jersey Boys, Elf the Musical, 42nd Street) as the exuberant Columbia, sparkling with comic brilliance and style.
- Morgan Jackson (Heathers, Mamma Mia!, Fame) as the perfectly sculpted Rocky, fresh from a string of West End hits.
- Edward Bullingham (Grease, Rent, Cinderella) as Eddie/Dr Scott, delivering double the fun with his bold vocals and larger-than-life energy.
Completing the company 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).
15 years away. One unforgettable return.
After 50 fabulous years, The Rocky Horror Show remains the ultimate live experience – a wild, glitter-soaked night of fun, frocks and fabulousness. This is not just a musical – it’s a movement. Audiences are encouraged to dress up, shout out, and lose themselves in the madness.
Written by New Zealand’s own Richard O’Brien, The Rocky Horror Show has thrilled over 35 million theatregoers across 30 countries, translated into 20 languages, and holds the title of the longest continuously running contemporary musical in the world.
It follows two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet – who, by a twist of fate, find themselves stranded outside a mysterious mansion. Inside awaits the fabulous and flamboyant Dr Frank’n’Furter, and a wild adventure full of fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity.
This spectacular tour is produced by global entertainment leaders Trafalgar Theatre Productions and GMG Productions, the team behind blockbuster hits including The Play That Goes Wrong, Madagascar The Musical and Beauty and the Beast.
Featuring timeless anthems including Sweet Transvestite, Dammit Janet, Science Fiction/Double Feature and the pelvic-thrusting crowd favourite Time Warp, The Rocky Horror Show remains the most outrageously fun night you’ll ever have in a theatre.
So dust off your corset, strap on your heels, and get ready to dance in the aisles — The Rocky Horror Show is coming home, and this party is one you won’t want to miss.
“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 creator Richard O’Brien.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a Rocky virgin, this is your invitation to the wildest night at the theatre. Dress up, shout out, and join the celebration – this is your chance to do the Time Warp again!
