Rocky Horror Show cast get ready to Time Warp in Belfast

The cast of the touring production of the Rocky Horror Show have paid homage to one of the show’s original stars, who is from Belfast.

Patricia Quinn starred in the original stage production and in the film.

It is also a “full circle moment” for Connor Carson, from Killinchy in County Down, who is playing Brad Majors in the touring show.

The Rocky Horror Show first opened as a stage production in the Royal Court in 1973 and then became a film starring Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon.

The popular show has built up a huge cult following over the years as fans follow the adventures of Brad Majors and Janet Weiss who accidentally find themselves in Frank-N-Furter’s country mansion living alongside the perfect man Rocky and domestics Riff Raff and Magenta.

The iconic Time Warp dance is also a hugely popular feature of the show.

Patricia Quinn played Magenta and the Usherette in the Royal Court production and subsequent film.

Natasha Hoeberigs is now playing Magenta and the Usherette and is proud to be part of a show with such an important legacy.

“Incredible people have come and gone through the show over the years, like the amazing Patricia Quinn,” she said.

“To step into the shoes of a role that she originated, it’s a blessing, it’s a dream come true,” she said.

“I grew up as a child in New Zealand watching the film and watching her portrayal and thinking that’s amazing,”.

In Hamilton in New Zealand there is a statue of Riff Raff. Rocky fans have tried to get a Magenta statue organised in Belfast.

Ms Hoeberigs believes it “has to happen”.

“I think we need to start a petition and I think everyone who is a fan of Rocky Horror needs to get on board with this and we must pay homage to Patricia Quinn and her Magenta,” she said.

“Richard O’Brien has his statue in Hamilton in New Zealand and it would be so special to have one here in Belfast.”

Connor Carson used to perform in amateur shows in Belfast and Lisburn before training professionally.

He has now performed in the West End and Rocky Horror is his first UK tour.

“The first professional show I ever watched as a little kid was here in the Grand Opera House so it’s definitely a full circle moment to come back here and be playing one of the leads in Rocky Horror – it’s a pinch me moment,” he said.

Connor says it is very comforting to hear Northern Irish accents in the crowd and meeting him at stage door.

“It’s such an iconic show and people love it so much so it’s great to bring that to Belfast as well,” he said.

“There is pressure here as I’ve a bunch of family and friends coming to see it this weekend.

“It’s amazing to be part of something that means so much to people and that they can connect with. It’s really special.”

One of Connor’s favourite bits of the show is getting to perform the Time Warp, particularly during the finale.

“Doing the Time warp is an iconic piece of choreography, everyone has been doing at primary school discos since they were five years old,” he added.

The Rocky Horror show is currently playing at the Grand Opera House in Belfast before moving on to Dublin and then the Millennium Forum in Londonderry.