For 15 years, Kristian Lavercombe was Riff Raff. The Welsh-born actor captivated audiences worldwide with his portrayal of the iconic character in The Rocky Horror Show, ultimately earning a world record for the most performances in the role – a staggering 2622 times. But stepping away from the character, Lavercombe says, wasn’t easy. He experienced a period of mourning, a testament to the deep connection forged with both the role and the uniquely engaged fans who made each performance a singular event.
Now, Lavercombe is embarking on a novel chapter, touring New Zealand as The Narrator in a production of the cult classic. The transition, however, hasn’t erased the memories – or the lingering affection – for the character that defined much of his career. The actor’s journey, from initially not wanting to play Riff Raff to becoming synonymous with the role, speaks to the power of performance and the unexpected connections that can develop between an actor and their audience. The enduring appeal of The Rocky Horror Show and its devoted fanbase, played a significant part in his long run.
The Unique Energy of a Rocky Horror Audience
Lavercombe describes the audiences at The Rocky Horror Show as unlike any other he’s encountered. “They are part of the show,” he explained. “You can stand up during The Time Warp, which is a song in the middle of the show. You can stand up and dance in the aisles. You can shout out at the actors.” This interactive element, with fans delivering pre-set “call-outs” during the performance, transformed each show into a collaborative experience. According to Lavercombe, these audience contributions often provided the funniest moments of the night.
This level of audience participation was a key factor in his ability to perform the same role over two thousand times without losing enthusiasm. “I never got bored. I was always excited to do the show,” he said. The constant variation and energy from the crowd ensured that no two performances were ever quite the same.
From Reluctance to Record-Breaker
Interestingly, Riff Raff wasn’t Lavercombe’s initial target role when he auditioned for The Rocky Horror Show 15 years ago. He initially believed the part was beyond his vocal range. “My plan was to go in there and go, hi, I can sing anything from the show apart from Riff Raff, because I don’t sense I can sing that,” he recalled. However, he consciously decided against negativity during the audition.
Lavercombe’s interpretation of Riff Raff has been widely praised. Richard O’Brien, the show’s writer, described him as “a fantastically talented Riff Raff” according to Wikipedia. Other descriptions of his performance include “deliciously sleazy” and “simply perfection.”
Beyond Riff Raff: A Diverse Career
While Riff Raff remains his most recognizable role, Lavercombe has a diverse performance background. He has taken on leading roles in over 30 professional productions, including Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar in 2014 for the Auckland Theatre Company as noted on his Wikipedia page, and Bobby Strong in Urinetown in 2007 for Downstage Theatre. He similarly played Cripple Billy in The Cripple of Inishmaan for The Court Theatre and Puck in Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream for Christchurch Arts Festival.
After a three-year global tour that concluded 18 months ago, Lavercombe decided to step back from the demanding schedule of The Rocky Horror Show. He had purchased a house in Stepneyville, Nelson, ten years prior, but had only spent a minimal amount of time there. Now, he’s finally settling down in New Zealand, embracing a new phase of life and career.
Lavercombe’s story is a compelling example of an actor’s dedication to a role, the power of audience connection, and the challenges and rewards of life on tour. As he continues his journey as The Narrator, and explores new opportunities, his legacy as the world’s most prolific Riff Raff remains firmly cemented in the history of The Rocky Horror Show. The show continues to tour internationally, with new actors taking on the iconic roles, ensuring the time warp will continue for generations to arrive.
What comes next for Kristian Lavercombe remains to be seen, but his commitment to the performing arts is undeniable. We look forward to seeing what new roles and adventures await him. Share your thoughts on Lavercombe’s career and the enduring legacy of The Rocky Horror Show in the comments below!
