Jason Donovan in The Rocky Horror Show sets new box office record for Civic Theatre

The cast and crew have taken to the Civic Theatre stage ahead of the first performance of The Rocky Horror Show this evening and the official opening night on Saturday.

Record-breaking audiences will spend the next three weeks doing the time warp in Newcastle as the 50^th anniversary production of the iconic rock’n’roll musical launches its national tour at the Civic Theatre.

Almost 23,000 tickets have already been snapped up for The Rocky Horror Show, breaking the box office record set by Come From Away last year to become the most successful production ever staged at the Civic Theatre.

Australian superstar Jason Donovan leads a talented cast as the charismatic Frank N Furter and will be joined on stage by radio and television personality Myf Warhurst as the Narrator.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the record ticket sales again prove there’s a strong appetite for international-quality touring productions amongst Novocastrians and visitors.

“The Rocky Horror Show is living up to its status as one of the world’s most popular and highest-selling musicals, drawing both first-time and repeat theatregoers from throughout the Hunter and across the country,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Ticket sales so far have come from every state in Australia and as far away as the United Kingdom, ensuring this production will not only provide local theatregoers with an experience to remember but will help boost visitation to our city from those travelling to see The Rocky Horror Show in our majestic Civic Theatre.

“The record-breaking success of The Rocky Horror Show and Come From Away demonstrate the huge demand for high calibre, Broadway and West End productions in Newcastle.

“Major events are a clear economic driver and The Rocky Horror Show is another significant drawcard for our city that will provide considerable benefits for Newcastle’s visitor economy.”

The Rocky Horror Show will be the first in a new line-up of world class productions brought to Newcastle by leading British theatre producer Sir Howard Panter of Trafalgar Entertainment.

"We are thrilled to be here in Newcastle bringing the first of many new international smash hit theatre productions to the city, and what better way to start the party than with the ultimate rock 'n roll celebration, The Rocky Horror Show," Sir Howard Panter said.

"The response has been phenomenal so far and we can't wait for audiences to witness this incredible production."

The Rocky Horror Show has been seen by more than 30 million people in over 30 countries since making its debut in London in 1973.

Its Newcastle season will run from 12 January until 4 February, with tickets on sale now. For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au