When Richard O'Brien, the creator of the original Rocky Horror stage show, sat down for the new documentary Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror, he promised fans an unfiltered look at the cult phenomenon that still spikes midnight crowds.
Premiering across three UK venues from Friday, October 3 through Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the film pulls back the curtain on the 1973 fringe‑theatre production that exploded into the biggest cult film of all time. The documentary doesn’t just replay old clips—it offers fresh, candid interviews with the people who lived it.
From Fringe to Phenomenon
The original Rocky Horror ShowThe Royal Court Theatre, London opened on a shoestring budget, yet its tongue‑in‑cheek gender‑bending satire struck a chord. By the time the film adaptation hit theaters in August 1975, it had already cultivated a growing underground following. Decades later, box‑office reports estimate the film has earned over $200 million worldwide, while fan‑organized midnight screenings continue in more than 60 countries.
What made the transition from stage to screen so explosive? Cultural historians point to its blend of rock‑era soundtrack, subversive sexuality, and the audience‑participation ritual that turned passive viewing into a full‑blown experience.
Inside the Documentary
The new film assembles a who’s‑who of the original cast and creative team. Tim Curry, whose iconic Dr. Frank‑N‑Furter performance still reverberates on TikTok, opens with a story about the night he first auditioned. "I walked in with a pair of platform boots and a dream," he says, laughing. Susan Sarandon, Oscar‑winner for Thelma & Louise, recalls stepping onto the set in 1975 and feeling the electric buzz of something historic.
Other legends such as Barry Bostwick (Brad Majors) and Patricia Quinn (Magenta) share behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes that have never been aired. Even Nell Campbell (Molly) opens up about the pressures of being a young woman in a radically gender‑fluid production.
Adding a contemporary spin, celebrity fans like Jack Black and drag‑queen star Trixie Mattel discuss how the film helped shape their own artistic identities. "When I first saw Rocky Horror at twelve, it felt like a secret club you could finally join," Trixie says, her voice laced with nostalgia.
Even music mogul Lou Adler, who co‑produced the original soundtrack, weighs in on why the songs still chart on streaming platforms every Halloween.
Screenings Across the UK
Fans eager to experience the documentary can catch it at three historic venues:
- Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle upon Tyne – daily showings from October 3 to October 8.
- Liberty Hall Cinema – a one‑off midnight premiere on October 3.
- Odeon Covent Garden in London – runs the full week, mirroring the Tyneside schedule.
The choice of venues isn’t random; each cinema has a reputation for championing cult classics. Ticket sales for the opening night in London reportedly sold out within two hours, a testament to lingering demand.
Cultural Impact and Expert Insight
Professor Simon Reynolds of the University of Manchester, who specialises in subcultural studies, explains why the Rocky Horror saga endures. "It’s a celebration of self‑determination wrapped in glitter and sarcasm," he notes. "The documentary captures that ethos by juxtaposing archival footage with modern fan testimonies, creating a temporal bridge that feels both nostalgic and fresh."
Data from the British Film Institute show that the original film’s home‑video sales have climbed 15 % year‑over‑year since 2019, driven largely by the LGBTQ+ community’s embrace of its queer‑positive messaging.
Meanwhile, streaming analytics reveal that songs like "Time Warp" and "Sweet Transvestite" have accumulated over 200 million combined plays on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music, underscoring the soundtrack’s cross‑generational appeal.
What Lies Ahead?
Beyond the UK run, producers hint at a limited US theatrical release in early 2026, followed by a streaming debut on a major platform (details pending). The documentary may also spark renewed interest in live‑theatre revivals, with several West End producers already scouting venues for a 2027 anniversary tour.
For fans, the film is more than a retrospective; it’s a call to keep the midnight ritual alive. As O'Brien himself puts it, "If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, Rocky is the invitation to dance on that stage with us."
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where can I watch the documentary in the UK?
The film runs from October 3‑8, 2025 at three locations: Tyneside Cinema in Newcastle (daily showings), Liberty Hall Cinema (single midnight screening on October 3), and Odeon Covent Garden in London (daily showings). Tickets are selling fast, especially in London.
Who are the main interviewees in the documentary?
The film features original cast members Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Patricia Quinn and Nell Campbell, plus creator Richard O'Brien, producer Lou Adler, and modern fan‑icons Jack Black and Trixie Mattel.
Why does Rocky Horror continue to attract new audiences?
Its blend of camp, rock music, and a liberating celebration of gender fluidity resonates with each generation. Academic studies link its endurance to the film’s open invitation for audience participation, turning viewers into performers.
Will the documentary be available on streaming platforms?
Producers have announced a US theatrical rollout in early 2026, followed by a streaming release later that year. Exact platform details are still under negotiation.
How does the documentary differ from previous Rocky Horror retrospectives?
Unlike earlier documentaries, this film blends never‑before‑released backstage footage with fresh reflections from both the original creators and contemporary cultural icons, offering a more intimate, multi‑generational perspective.
