Rocky Horror Picture Show Dublin 2025: Tickets & Guide

Few stage shows have built a ritual quite like The Rocky Horror Show — for decades audiences have dressed up, shouted back, and thrown toast at the screen or stage. If you’re heading to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin for the August 2025 run, this guide covers the show, participation, and controversy so you can decide whether to join in or just watch.

Global audience: Over 35 million ·
Next Dublin run: August 11–16, 2025 ·
Star: Jason Donovan ·
Ticket price from: €21.40

Here are the key details for the 2025 Dublin run.

How long is the Rocky Horror Bord Gais show?

The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre states an approximate running time of 2 hours including an interval (Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, 2024 page). The 2025 page does not specify a different duration, so it’s safe to plan for the same.

Are there latecomer restrictions?

The venue warns that performers, dates, times, prices, and fees are subject to change without notice. Doors open one hour before the performance, but late entries may be restricted depending on the production. The theatre’s policy is to enforce latecomer seating only at suitable breaks.

The implication: plan to arrive at least 20 minutes before the published start time to avoid missing the opening number.

Who is starring in Rocky Horror 2026?

The 2026 cast has not been announced. For the 2025 Dublin run, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Visit Dublin confirm that Australian performer Jason Donovan stars as Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Bord Gáis Energy Theatre; Visit Dublin). Donovan previously appeared in the show in earlier tours.

Has the cast for the 2026 Dublin show been announced?

No. Neither the theatre nor the production company has released a 2026 cast list. The 2025 run is the only confirmed Dublin engagement at this point.

Who starred in previous Dublin productions?

The 2019 Bord Gáis Energy Theatre production featured Duncan James as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, according to historical listings. The 2024 run (January 15–20) also featured a touring cast, but specific names are not widely documented.

Book now for 2025 to avoid disappointment.

Will Rocky Horror Tour in 2026?

The Rocky Horror Show 2026 UK tour dates have been announced, but Dublin is not included in the initial schedule. The show is currently booked for Bord Gáis Energy Theatre only in August 2025.

What are the UK tour dates for 2026?

While full UK dates are available from the production company, the only confirmed Irish engagement remains the 2025 Dublin run. The theatre’s 2025 page notes that all performers, dates, and times are subject to change.

Is there a Dublin date in the 2026 tour?

Not at this time. The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre has not listed a 2026 engagement. The 2025 run is the only confirmed Dublin show.

Why this matters: If you miss the August 2025 dates, you may need to travel to the UK for the next available performance.

What are you supposed to do at Rocky Horror Picture Show?

Audience participation is central to the Rocky Horror experience. The official fan site describes it as “the first and only true audience participation movie” (The Rocky Horror Show Official Fan Site, community-run resource). The tradition, which began with the 1975 film, has carried over to live stage productions. Here’s what first-timers need to know.

What is the audience participation tradition?

• Audience members yell callbacks — lines shouted during pauses in the dialogue. For example, when the narrator says “I would like, if I may,” the crowd calls back “You may not!”
• Dressing up as characters is encouraged. Common costumes include Frank-N-Furter, Janet, Brad, and Rocky.
• Props are used at specific moments: rice (during the wedding scene), toast (during the “Toast” line), newspaper (to cover heads during the rain scene), and squirt guns (during the “water” line).

The tradition is long-standing and well-documented by the fan community (The Rocky Horror Show Official Fan Site).

What props are typically used?

For a typical stage show, you’ll want:

• Rice (thrown at the wedding scene)
• Toast (thrown when the character says “Toast”)
• Newspaper (held over your head during the rain scene)
• Party blower (used during the “Time Warp” dance)
• Squirt gun (squirted when the “water” line is delivered)

However, the theatre may have restrictions on props. Always check the venue’s policy.

Is there a dress code?

No official dress code, but many attendees dress in costume — from corsets and fishnets to lab coats. The official fan site encourages “dressing up as your favorite character” (The Rocky Horror Show Official Fan Site).

The trade-off: participation adds to the fun, but it can also distract from the story. Many first-timers prefer to watch the show first and join in on a second viewing.

How explicit is the Rocky Horror Picture Show?

The film is rated R for sexual content, nudity, and language. The stage show contains similar themes, including suggestive dancing, cross-dressing, and sexual innuendo. The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre warns that the production may contain strobe lighting and other special effects.

What is the age rating?

While the film carries an R rating (under 17 requires accompanying adult), the stage show does not have a formal age rating. The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre advises that the content is not suitable for children.

Why is it controversial?

The show has been criticized for its portrayal of trans and non-binary characters, with some arguing that the campy presentation reinforces stereotypes. Others defend it as a celebration of queer culture and sexual liberation. The controversy is part of its enduring appeal.

Is it transphobic?

This is a debated topic. Some LGBTQ+ critics argue that the character of Frank-N-Furter, a “sweet transvestite,” is a caricature. Others see it as a groundbreaking depiction of gender fluidity. The show’s creators have stated that the intent is to challenge norms, but the reception has evolved over time.

What this means: If you’re concerned about the content, research current perspectives before attending. The show is not for everyone, and that’s okay.

How to prepare for the Rocky Horror Show in Dublin

1. Buy tickets early — they went on sale 18 October 2024.
2. Check the venue’s policy on props and late entry before you go.
3. Decide whether you want to participate fully or just watch the show.
4. Learn common callbacks or watch a shadow cast performance online.
5. Dress up as your favourite character if you want to join the tradition.
6. Arrive at least 20 minutes before the published start time.

Timeline: The Rocky Horror Show

Five key moments, one pattern: the show keeps returning to Dublin because audiences keep coming back.

• 1973 — Stage premiere in London
• 1975 — Film release
• 2019 — Dublin show at Bord Gáis with Duncan James
• 2024 — Dublin show January 15–20
• 2025 — Dublin show scheduled August 11–16

The pattern: Dublin has hosted the show roughly every 5–6 years, suggesting a 2026 date is unlikely but not impossible.

The evidence shows that the 2025 run is confirmed, but future dates remain uncertain.

What they’re saying

The Rocky Horror Show has been seen by over 35 million theatregoers.

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, official venue

Rocky Horror Picture Show Anti-Valentines Delight at The Sugar Club, Dublin, Feb 14, 2026.

Facebook event page (unconfirmed details)

The first and only true audience participation movie.

The Rocky Horror Show Official Fan Site

For Dublin theatregoers, the decision is clear: catch the 2025 run with Jason Donovan, or risk missing the next Irish appearance for several years. The show’s blend of camp, controversy, and audience participation ensures it remains a one-of-a-kind night out — but only if you’re prepared to join in.

Frequently asked questions

These answers should help you plan your visit.