Interview with Laura Bird, The Rocky Horror Show

A cult classic - The Rocky Horror Show has captivated theatregoers for generations. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the musical is the biggest party and features timeless classics, including ‘Sweet Transvestite’, ‘Damn it Janet’, and of course, the pelvic thrusting showstopping ‘Time Warp’. We caught up with Laura Bird, who stars in the current UK tour, to find out what it is like to be part of this historic show!

1. What is it about The Rocky Horror Show that made you want to audition for the production? Do you have a distinct memory of seeing this show before?

Rocky has always been on my radar as a show, I’d love to be in. Firstly, I am a huge fan of Rock and Roll and classic rock, so it is a great fit musically for me. I had never seen a live version of the stage show until I was auditioning. I had of course seen the film many times with Tim Curry’s iconic portrayal of Frank, and our creator, Richard O’Brien as Riff Raff. So many people who work on the show stay with it for years and remain involved. That’s an amazing sign when you’re auditioning for something. After almost a year with the show I can see why, it’s a really special thing to be a part of. 

2. If someone was coming to see this show for the first time, how would you sum up this show?

If you’re a so-called ‘Rocky Virgin’ I think it’s best to stay in the dark and just let yourself be taken on this wonderful, strange journey! - there’s nothing like your first time. You may emerge with more questions than answers, but you’ll have had the time of your life and already be planning your next visit. Without spoiling the magic, I think at its core the Rocky Horror Show is a huge celebration of being yourself, sexual and queer liberation and freedom and rock & roll music. The show is a love letter to the sci-fi genre and B movies of the 1950s and 60s - it’s a gas! 

3. Magenta is such an iconic character. How did you approach creating your version of her whilst still honouring the legacy of performers who have played her before?

The thing I love about Magenta is that unlike lots of roles in musical theatre there’s no specific casting requirements in terms of how you look or sound - it’s more of an energy thing and she can be played so many ways. Before theatre I came from an academic background so with every new show my instinct is to do as much research as humanly possible.  I’ve been inspired by the amazing women who have Magenta before me - however the best way to develop a character for me always starts from your first instincts when handed the material (Patricia Quinn could never be matched!). I try to make confident, informed choices from the off without thinking about other versions and trust that if I’m too ‘off the mark’, the creative team will steer me right.

It’s also important to let your character grow and be informed by the other actors that you work with. 

Once I’d settled in with Ryan, our amazing Riff Raff my character felt more solid and well-rounded. The two truly come as a pair and we’ve found a really solid partnership and energy as alien siblings! His cheekiness, love for comedy and epic rock & roll vocals have informed my Magenta - and I like to think if I were lucky enough to play her again in the future, she might turn out quite different! That’s the fun of Rocky. 

4. This production is a cult classic with theatre audiences. What do you think has made this musical as popular as it has over the years?

We often refer to ‘The Rocky Family’ on the production side of things, but I think this also extends to the fans. It’s a show that gets better and funnier the more you come back. It is a truly unique show that actively celebrates audience participation, as actors and audience exchange this incredible energy. Once you’re part of the family, you never really leave! It has provided a safe space over the years to put on a pair of heels and suspenders and have a big old sing song. Alone or with friends, without fear of judgement – the Rocky Horror Show provides a community for many. Rocky allows everyone to reconnect with their playful side by playing dress up and celebrating the weird and wonderful. 

5. The Rocky Horror Show audiences are famous for their callbacks and participation. Does that ever catch you off guard on stage?

A great question. We were given a heads up in rehearsals about how much the callbacks might vary depending on which venue (or even country) we’re in. To be prepared to still tell the story in earnest, especially act 2, even when audiences are at their rowdiest! I was a little scared but have ended up LOVING the callbacks and constant element of the unknown. As an actor it keeps things exciting and forces you to really listen. We really feed off the audience’s energy far more than people realise. There is an unofficial fan script of callouts easily available online that we write into our scripts in rehearsals to help us prepare! That said, we do get new ones now and again, often based on current news stories or celebrity gossip - always a giggle. 

6. Do you have a favourite moment in the show - either one you perform in or one you watch from the wings every night?

For me, nothing beats the first chords of the Time Warp, and we hear the roar of excitement from the audience. Even if you’ve never seen the show before, most people have danced to the Time Warp at some point in their life (probably at a wedding!). It’s a total joy to get to rock out every night and deliver such an iconic song to a packed house. 

That said, I also play the Usherette who book-ends all of the action, and her reprise of ‘Science Fiction Double Feature’ is a really special moment of calm. It feels very intimate, and I have the opportunity to reflect on the show that we’ve shared together. I am always so moved when audiences sing along as I close the curtain, I find myself tearing up during my quick change back into Magenta for the bows! 

7. If you could play another character in the show for one night, who would you choose and why?

Oh, it has to be Frank. Aside from having the best songs, costumes and iconic quips, he is just the ultimate diva. Frank is a magnet that we’re helplessly drawn to, our eyes are always on him! 

A fun fact - in our production Frank is the only character (narrator aside) who can ‘hear’ the audience interactions and is able to play with them and bridge the gap. All the actors who have played Frank in our production absolutely command the stage and have the time of their lives.

8. Finally, what are 3 essentials an audience member should bring with them to the show?

An open mind,  your singing voice and a friend! (Bonus points if you dress up. I promise, you won’t be the only one!)

The Rocky Horror Show plays at the Curve Theatre, Leicester from 6-11 April as part of a wider UK tour in 2026.