‘The support for the LBGT community was unintended but it is a very welcome addition’: Life according to Rocky Horror star, Richard O’Brien

Time isn’t so fleeting as creator charts 50 years of Rocky Horror Shows

What was the inspiration behind the Rocky Horror Show?

Someone asked me to entertain the Christmas staff party at EMI Film Studios, so I wrote a song (Science Fiction Double Feature) and, with the help of some jokes, performed it to much laughter and applause. I

wondered whether it might serve as prologue to the germ of an idea I had for a musical. I shared that thought with Jim Sharman, who had directed Jesus Christ Superstar. He liked the concept and away we went.

Why do you think it is still successful, half a century later?

It is simply a musical comedy and as long as it rocks and the audience are laughing what more could you wish for? It’s very inclusive, it’s very easy to watch. Brad and Janet are a couple we kind of recognise as Adam and Eve or Romeo and Juliet, a stereotypical couple we can all relate to. It’s also a fairy tale which allows us to feel comfortable with its rites of passage storyline.

The Rocky Horror Show creates an atmosphere that is different from other theatre shows. What about the show do you believe makes audiences feel comfortable joining in?

The innocent but rather naughty fun of it draws not only a theatre crowd but also people who want a fun evening.

What was happening in your life when you wrote it?

I was a recent father of my first child and out of work. 1972-73 was a moment of change. Glam rock and overt sexuality were around, gay people were coming out, and there was a buzz in the air.

There are certain parts of the world where we are a little bit more free to be ourselves. London is one of them. Back in the ’70s you had gay bars but now you don’t need to because if you walk into most bars in London there will be a gay man behind the bar. That is rather nice.

How do you believe the show supports those questioning their identity or sexuality?

The support for the LBGT community was unintended but it is a very welcome addition to the laughter and toe tapping.

Has the show supported your own journey surrounding your identity?

It must have been, to some extent, cathartic but I have always gone my own way and played the cards I was dealt in the best way I can.

Do you have a favourite character?

I would have loved to have played Rocky. That would have been cool, wouldn’t it? But one thing is essential, you have to be rather handsome, and muscular, and that ain’t going to work. I could have played Janet. They’re all so stupidly wonderful, these characters. They’re iconographic.

How do the live shows compare to the film?

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 while the live show is far more rock and roll.

What’s your favourite part?

The noise at the end is wonderful – it’s empowering and exhilarating and quite joyous. It never fails to deliver.

Do you think the show would be as successful if written today?

Timing is very important, as is luck. Zeitgeist sums it up. There are lots of variables. Would it have been as successful if someone other than Tim Curry had played the lead?

How has the show developed over the past 50 years?

It has remained much the same. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

How different might your life have been without Rocky Horror?

I have no idea but I would have had a good life because I am made that way. Some people have a game plan; I would imagine they’re rather humourless. Most of us get an opportunity and we wing it. Luck plays an awfully big part – you should never underestimate that. I am the luckiest person on the planet and I shall be happy as long as I can keep singing.

The Rocky Horror Show, Edinburgh Playhouse, March 13-18