Richard O'Brien to star in West End Rocky Horror Show

Producers have announced that Richard O'Brien, will return to the role of Narrator in The Rocky Horror Show for the first time in the UK for more than 20 years.

O'Brien, the creator of the show and former Crystal Maze host, will perform in 11 special performances – including a star-studded gala performance – at the Playhouse Theatre, London from 11 – 19 September 2015. These special London performances precede a UK tour which opens at the Theatre Royal Brighton on 17 December 2015.

Talking to WhatsOnStage, O'Brien joked: "I love playing the Narrator, I don't have to do any work, everyone else does it."

On the worldwide cult success of the show he added: "None of us expected it. One of the great things is that it's a work of juvenilia, isn't it. It really is a childish piece of work but it brings great joy to people."

When asked about his memories of premiering the show some 42 years ago he reminisced: "It was lovely. I mean we are talking about a time when The Beatles had disbanded, Glam Rock had just started, Punk was yet to start and I think [The Rocky Horror Show] was just as important as anything else at the time."

The show will be directed by Christopher Luscombe and produced by Howard Panter for Ambassador Theatre Group.

In addition, Picturehouse Entertainment and Rocky Horror Show Company will join forces to broadcast the gala charity performance on 17 September live from the Playhouse Theatre to cinemas across the UK and Europe. In aid of Amnesty International, this will feature a number of special celebrity guest stars.

O'Brien was quick to rebuff our enquiries about who the celebrity guests may be: "We have a wish list, but I'm not allowed to say anything."

Tickets for The Rocky Horror Show are on sale now, click here for more information and to book tickets.