Life according to… Musical theatre star, Ore Oduba

The broadcaster and musical theatre star chats about fatherhood, a
life-changing experience in Scotland, Strictly, and falling in love with The Rocky Horror Show.

You play Brad in The Rocky Horror Show. Were you a fan before you joined the tour?

When I found out I had the role, I watched the movie for the first time, but my wife grew up with it because my in-laws have been big fans of it since the ’80s. My wife said the idea of me dancing around stage in my pants was hilarious.

How has it been so far?

It’s been raucous. You see so much joy in the audiences and you don’t want it to end. I’m not fatigued by it at all – every day, I can’t wait to do the Timewarp.

Why is it so popular?

It’s been going for nearly 50 years and it started as a cult classic and was a little bit underground. There’s now such inclusivity in society that it’s much more a celebration of difference and that’s what Rocky does.

You come into the room and know you’re home. You’re free to be who you are and we celebrate that. Along with the amazing songs and costumes and hilariously bonkers story, that other layer makes it even more heartfelt and special to everyone there.

You welcomed your daughter, Genie, to the world in October. How is family life?

With two children, the house is a hive of activity and doesn’t stop, but it’s wonderful. It feels like our little girl has been part of the family forever, our son loves being a big brother, and my wife is doing so well and holding the fort down admirably while I’m away.

What was being part of Celebrity SAS, filmed on Raasay last summer, like?

Beyond having children, it was the most life-changing experience I’ve ever been through. My entire outlook on life changed after spending eight days with these Special Forces ex-servicemen.

It became apparent everything I was learning I could use in everyday life.

My wife said, ‘I don’t know who you are or what you’ve done with my husband, but you can stay, I like you’. I’m very grateful for the experience because I don’t know how I lived my life before.

You’re a previous Strictly winner, did you enjoy the latest series?

It was a great final, although I was devastated for AJ and Kai not to be in there. I can’t think in those circumstances of anything worse than being in the showpiece, and all of a sudden you’re ripped out of it.

But there were two amazing couples, who were representing so much on a platform like Strictly.

The show has the power to change the nation’s outlook. It’s such an incredible launch pad, it opens doors, and five years later I’m still being allowed to dance, albeit in slightly higher heels!

The Rocky Horror Show, King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Mon-Sat. For other Scottish dates visit rockyhorror.co.uk