Newcastle theatregoers rose to their feet to perform one final 'Time Warp' and a standing ovation as the curtains went down on The Rocky Horror Show's record-breaking season at the Civic Theatre.
More than 30,000 theatregoers, hailing from every state in Australia, travelled to Newcastle to experience one of the world's most popular rock and roll musicals, which wrapped up a three-week season in the city yesterday.
Starring Australian superstar Jason Donovan as Frank N Furter and Myf Warhurst as the Narrator, The Rocky Horror Show is the most successful production ever staged at the Civic Theatre, eclipsing the record set by Broadway smash Come From Away last year.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Civic Theatre was a jewel in the city's cultural crown and a major driver of visitation to Newcastle.
"I'm thrilled to have kicked off 2024 with a record-breaking season of the fabulous Rocky Horror Show, which 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," Cr Nelmes said.
"The successful season of The Rocky Horror Show and last year's performances of Come From Away demonstrate the huge demand there is in the market for top quality Broadway and West End productions in Newcastle.
"Major events are a clear economic driver for our city. By attracting such high calibre shows, the Civic Theatre provides a significant drawcard that delivers considerable benefits for Newcastle's visitor economy."
Of the more than 30,000 theatregoers who watched The Rocky Horror Show, more than 60 per cent of tickets were purchased by visitors outside of Newcastle, delivering a ripple effect to accommodation providers, local businesses and the wider visitor economy.
Leading British theatre producer Sir Howard Panter of Trafalgar Entertainment said he was thrilled by the reception audiences gave The Rocky Horror Show in Newcastle.
"What a way to start 2024 with The Rocky Horror Show financially being the best-selling show of all time at Newcastle's Civic Theatre," Sir Howard Panter said.
"With more than 30,000 tickets sold and half the audience coming to the Civic Theatre for the very first time, we are thrilled with what is just the beginning of our journey together.
"At Trafalgar Entertainment Group we are committed to bringing the best of the international theatre scene to Newcastle's doorstep and starting with this star-studded legendary production, Newcastle firmly has brought in the new year with a party!"
Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said the iconic venue has been recognised as a valuable destination to include on the national touring circuit for live theatre and musical productions.
"On the back of the success of Come From Away we have developed associations with a number of national promoters to ensure the city attracts more major touring productions at the Civic Theatre for extended seasons," Ms Wallace said.
"Aside from the astounding success of The Rocky Horror Show, we've also locked in a one-week season in March of Broadway smash hit RENT as part of a national tour by award-winning producer LPD Productions, while the world's longest-running play, Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, will kick off its national tour in May with two weeks in Newcastle, presented by John Frost for Crossroads Live and Shake & Stir Theatre Co.
"It's incredible to be able to bring the best national touring productions here to Newcastle, ensuring you no longer have to travel to Sydney to see an award-winning international theatre performance or musical."
