Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show

The Rocky Horror Show is a stage musical with music, book and lyrics by British-New Zealander Richard O’Brien. O’Brien, who migrated to New Zealand with his parents aged ten, spent his young adulthood in Hamilton visiting movie theatres and dance halls before leaving for London in 1964.

Debuting in London’s Theatre Upstairs at Royal Court in June 1973, the first run of O’Brien’s satirical tribute to B movies, science fiction and horror moved to several other locations in London before it closed in 1980. A 1975 film adaptation of the outrageous rock’n’roll musical helped to launch it into cult status, and New Zealanders got to see the show for the first time in July 1978, with regular productions touring the country in the following decades.

To commemorate New Zealand Music Month, the Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show stamp issue celebrates the achievements of one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most fascinating creatives. Presented in a se-tenant block, the stamps feature fan-favourite characters and quotes from the mischievous cult musical.

Date of issue: 7 May 2025