Todd McKenney joins Rocky Horror cast for Melbourne

It was confirmed this morning that Todd McKenney, one of Australia’s most celebrated triple threat performers, will step into the role of Frank N Furter for The Rocky Horror Show’s Melbourne season this July.

McKenney will be the third actor to play Frank N Furter in the current Australian tour, taking over the role from breakout star Adam Rennie.

“I have dreamt of playing this role ever since I first saw the stage show in Perth in the 80s”, McKenney said.

“It is one of those rare beauties that gives an actor the opportunity to put their personal stamp on one of the most fun characters in musical theatre.”

McKenney confirmed that while he has been asked to play the role in previous productions, the timing had “never been right” until now.

“I’ve been offered the role in the past but the timing has never been right so now I finally get to live out my dream, I can’t wait to get my corset, pearls, fishnets and high heels on to give Melbourne audiences the night of their lives!”.

Shane Jacobson will also join the cast as The Narrator for the Melbourne season, a role traditionally performed by major stars across the globe.

“I am thrilled to be involved in one of the most iconic productions in musical theatre history”, said Jacobsen, one of Australia’s most loved, award-winning actors, presenters and entertainers.

Joining Todd and Shane on stage will be Kristian Lavercombe who astounded audiences in the 2015 tour as Riff Raff, musical theatre favourites Amanda Harrison (Wicked, We Will Rock You) as Magenta, Nadia Komazec (Matilda, The Phantom of the Opera) as Columbia, Brendan Irving (The Bodyguard, An Officer and A Gentleman) as Rocky and James Bryers (Matilda The Musical, Jersey Boys, Dirty Dancin’) as Eddie/Dr Scott.

Playing the roles of Brad and Janet, the naïve young couple caught up in a situation they don’t understand, are Rob Mallett (Les Misérables, Singin’ In The Rain) and Michelle Smitheram (Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Musical, Georgy Girl).

The ensemble cast includes Bianca Baykara, Ross Chisari, Hollie James (Dance Captain), Hayley Martin, Stephen McDowell and Geoffrey Winter.

The Rocky Horror Show plays Her Majesty’s Theatre Melbourne from July 13.

New tickets go on sale on Friday 9 March from Ticketek.