The Rocky Horror Show, Grand Opera House, York, April 8 to 13

Sam, who has appeared in such West End shows as Dreamboats And Petticoats, will be joined at the Grand Opera House, York, from April 8 to 13 by fellow West End actor Oliver Thornton as Frank’n’Furter and former Emmerdale and Waterloo Road actress Roxanne Pallett as Janet.

Since its premiere at London’s Royal Court Theatre on June 19 1973, O’Brien’s rock’n’roll musical has been performed worldwide in more than 30 countries, being translated into more than 20 languages in the process.

Best known for the songs Science Fiction/Double Feature, Dammit Janet and The Time Warp, The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of Brad and his fiancée Janet, two squeaky-clean college kids who meet Dr Frank’n’Furter by chance when their car breaks down outside his house. What ensues is a naughty, sometimes rude (mis)adventure they will never forget, involving frolics, frivolity and frocks.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary, director Christopher Luscombe has created a new production for a year-long UK tour of a show that combines science-fiction, horror, camp comedy and kitsch music with gleefully embraced encouragement for the audience to don outrageous fancy dress.

The new production is produced by joint chief executive and creative director Howard Panter for the Ambassador Theatre Group, owners of the Grand Opera House.

Luscombe will be completing a hat-trick of touring shows in quick succession at the York theatre, having directed Brighton Theatre Royal Productions’ Dandy Dick and Blue/Orange, which played there last August and October respectively. Both those productions were backed by Panter’s theatre group too.

• Tickets for The Rocky Horror Show cost £12 to £29.50 on 0844 871 3024 or online at atgtickets.com/rockyhorror

• Did you know?
Russell Crowe, Jerry Springer and Meat Loaf have all appeared in The Rocky Horror Show, a musical most associated with Tim Curry both on stage and screen.