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    • Jason Donovan’s Rocky Horror performance divides fans as audience ‘comes out’
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    Jason Donovan’s Rocky Horror performance divides fans as audience ‘comes out’

    Umito Posted on


    Jason Donovan as Frank-n-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show
    Jason Donovan’s performance on The Rocky Horror Show was not well received by everyone (Photo: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

    Jason DonovanThe performance of The Rocky Horror Show was taken down a notch. storm with many theater lovers – but not all.

    The Australian superstar returned to the UK this year as part of a new world tour for Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock’n’roll musical.

    Jason, 56, reprises one of his most famous roles, Frank-n-Furter, which he first played in 1998.

    Upon learning that there would be a 50th anniversary production of Rocky Horror, the former Neighbors emailed producer Howard Panter to express his desire to participate – and here we are.

    Unfortunately, theatergoers have mixed opinions.

    After watching Jason perform this weekend, a fan wrote a scathing review on TikTok, calling his portrayal of Frank-n-Further “disrespectful,” “ill-prepared” and “borderline offensive.”


    Jason Donovan as Frank-n-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show
    The actor reprises his role as Frank-n-Furter (Photo: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

    In a post with over 20,000 likes, user Melisa.Kelly wrote: “I see shows regularly and have done so for years, this is the only time I complain. Never. I’ll always give artists the benefit of the doubt: “Well, maybe they were sick” or “Maybe there was a technical problem.” But it’s something else.

    Of Jason’s performance, she said: “He continually made bad references to cocaine use. He repeated his Australian accent several times. He laughed in the middle of the lines. At one point, he started talking to the actor playing the Night Creature at the side of the stage, breaking the immersion.

    She accused Jason of “playing Frank like he’s an offensive gay stereotype.”

    The viewer actually left the show before it ended, claiming someone sitting next to her did the same during intermission, without returning.

    She shared: “The moment I finally got up and left was his performance of I’m Going Home. It appeared at one point that he was trying to antagonize rather than console his colleagues.

    After reportedly emailing the production company, she added that “none of this is acceptable” and called Jason’s entire performance “deplorable.”


    Jason Donovan as Frank-n-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show
    Some spectators reportedly left his performance (Photo: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

    Jason Donovan on Loose Women
    Jason has been performing in theater for decades (Photo: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

    Others agreed with his savage review, calling it “terrible casting.”

    However, following the comments, many came to the actor’s defense.

    “Did you watch a different show than me?” He was hilarious and brilliant!’, Mammamia wrote.

    Karla added: “I was at the show on Thursday…and I loved it…knowing he had a back injury and was in a lot of pain, he broke it.”

    Phoebe echoed: “I saw Jason Donovan in the role recently and thought he killed it.”

    Speaking ahead of his return to Rocky Horror, Jason made his love for the series clear.


    Jason Donovan as Frank-n-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show
    The Neighbors alum will perform on the show until early next year (Photo: Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)

    Jason Donovan performs at the Platinum Jubilee concert for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
    Jason took the lead in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Photo: AP)

    Why was he coming back? the Dancing On Ice star shared: “In a word, I’m a fan. I love the show; I love music; I love the character. I was touring with my own show about five years ago and included Rocky’s Sweet Transvestite as a highlight of my music career. There was a storm.

    Jason added: “One of the reasons I like Rocky is because it’s a short series. He says everything he has to say and nothing more. There is no unnecessary padding. This means no one gets bored and you leave them wanting more.

    He plays the role throughout 2024, with Stephen Webb facing Frank on select dates. Then, in February 2025, Adam Strong will take over.

    The pop star is of course no stranger to acting, notably starring in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in the early 1990s.

    His other theater credits include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Sound of Music, Chicago and Grease.

    Reps for Jason Donovan have been contacted for comment.

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