Why The Rocky Horror Show means so much to so many

Linus O’Brien on the legacy of the transgressive musical his father Richard O’Brien created. First performed in 1973, Rocky Horror is still drawing audiences worldwide.

The Rocky Horror Show’s themes of liberation and sexual freedom have resonated with audiences for over 50 years. The film version developed a cult following and brought a whole new meaning to the term audience participation. For its creator, Richard O'Brien, the musical, also contained something much more personal; an expression of his repressed sexuality.

Richard's son Linus O'Brien has made a documentary entitled Strange Journey, The Story of Rocky Horror, looking at why so many people found comfort and community in its themes, including eventually his father.

Presenter: Mobeen Azhar
Producer: Julian Siddle

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707

(Image: The Rocky Horror Picture Show advertising poster, with colourful images of characters from the film. Credit: LMPC via Getty Images)

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41 minutes

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Thu 16 Oct 202502:06GMT

BBC World Service

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