There are theatre productions that entertain, there are productions that shock, and then there is The Rocky Horror Show — a cultural phenomenon that has spent more than five decades gleefully refusing to fit into any box society has tried to place it in.
On Sunday evening, Johannesburg audiences packed into the Pieter Toerien Main Theatre for the opening run of Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock musical, and from the moment the first notes echoed through the auditorium, it became clear that this was not going to be an ordinary night at the theatre.
Presented by Pieter Toerien Productions in association with the Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (LAMTA) and directed by Steven Stead, this bold new South African staging embraces everything audiences have come to love about The Rocky Horror Show while injecting it with fresh energy, contemporary confidence and a cast determined to leave their mark on a theatrical institution.
The result is a production that feels both nostalgic and surprisingly alive.
A Celebration of Theatrical Freedom
For newcomers, The Rocky Horror Show follows the seemingly innocent Brad and Janet, whose lives take a bizarre turn after car trouble leaves them stranded outside a mysterious castle during a stormy night.
What unfolds is a whirlwind of outrageous characters, larger-than-life personalities, unexpected temptations and a journey that challenges every convention imaginable.
But describing the plot has never really been the point of Rocky Horror.
The true magic lies in its atmosphere.
This is theatre that actively encourages audiences to loosen their grip on reality for a few hours and simply embrace the absurd. It celebrates individuality, self-expression and freedom in a way few productions ever attempt.
The audience on opening night understood the assignment perfectly.
There were cheers, laughter, spontaneous singalongs and enthusiastic participation throughout the performance, creating an electric energy that transformed the theatre into something closer to a live concert than a traditional stage production.
Craig Urbani Commands the Stage
Leading the production is Craig Urbani, whose presence anchors much of the evening’s spectacle.
Stepping into one of musical theatre’s most iconic roles is never a simple task, yet Urbani approaches the challenge with confidence, charisma and an understanding of exactly what makes the character resonate with audiences.
His performance balances theatrical extravagance with moments of genuine humour, delivering a portrayal that feels entirely at home within the wonderfully chaotic world of Rocky Horror.
The supporting cast matches that energy throughout the evening, embracing the show’s eccentricity while maintaining strong vocal performances and impressive stage chemistry.
It is evident that director Steven Stead has assembled a cast committed to serving both the spirit of the original production and the expectations of modern audiences.
The Songs Still Hit as Hard as Ever
One of the reasons The Rocky Horror Show has survived for more than 50 years is its soundtrack.
Opening night proved exactly why.
The audience erupted for classics including Time Warp, Sweet Transvestite and Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul, with many attendees visibly unable to resist singing along.
What makes these songs remarkable is not simply their familiarity but their enduring ability to bring generations together.
You could spot first-time audience members sitting alongside lifelong fans who have attended multiple productions over the years, all sharing the same excitement when those opening chords arrived.
Very few musicals possess that kind of cross-generational appeal.
Production Values Elevate the Experience
Visually, the production embraces the flamboyance audiences expect from Rocky Horror.
The staging, lighting and costumes work together to create a world that feels simultaneously retro and timeless.
Every scene change arrives with purpose, while the pacing rarely allows momentum to slow.
The production never attempts to modernise the material unnecessarily. Instead, it trusts the source material and focuses on presenting it with confidence and theatrical flair.
That decision pays off.
Why Rocky Horror Still Matters
Perhaps the most surprising takeaway from opening night is how relevant the show continues to feel.
While originally created in the 1970s, The Rocky Horror Show remains a celebration of individuality, identity and self-discovery — themes that continue to resonate with contemporary audiences.
Beneath the outrageous costumes, outrageous humour and outrageous situations lies a simple message: people should be free to be themselves.
It is that message, wrapped in unforgettable music and unapologetic theatricality, that continues to attract audiences year after year.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Johannesburg production of The Rocky Horror Show delivers exactly what fans hope for and what newcomers deserve: a wildly entertaining night filled with laughter, nostalgia, exceptional musical moments and unapologetic theatrical fun.
Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to do the Time Warp once again, this production proves why Richard O’Brien’s creation remains one of the most beloved cult musicals ever written.
At a time when many productions play it safe, The Rocky Horror Show proudly remains exactly what it has always been — bold, bizarre, rebellious and impossible to ignore.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Don’t dream it. Be it.
