Audience Members Express Outrage Over Jason Donovan’s Absence from Rocky Horror Performance

Supporters of Jason Donovan reported feeling “fuming” after attending a theatrical performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, anticipating his appearance, only to discover it was his scheduled day off. Spectators, including some who had journeyed from London, expressed “disappointment” when he failed to portray Frank-N-Furter during the production at Blackpool Winter Gardens on Saturday, which marked the touring show’s concluding evening in the resort. These individuals asserted that promotional materials they reviewed during the booking process for the UK-touring show contained no information regarding his scheduled day off. A declaration issued by the star’s management indicated that he had “never been contracted” for that specific performance, citing a pre-existing commitment. Before the performance commenced, whispers circulated within the theatre foyer suggesting that the former Neighbours actor, known for recording popular songs like Too Many Broken Hearts and Especially For You, would not be appearing. Laura Johnson, a resident of Penwortham, stated: “We paid to go and see Jason Donovan. We saw him on the advertisements on social media, which said Monday to Saturday. Why would we then question it? Such a disappointment.” Lucie Robertson, from Lytham, commented: “It was a good show, and it’s no reflection on the cast we did see but we never would have paid to go if it wasn’t for Jason. He’s who we wanted to see. They got us there under false pretences.” Jenny Gwillam, residing in Walton Park, remarked: “People were absolutely fuming on the night when they were finding out beforehand in the theatre bar.” She further noted: “It was the main reason for booking this time, having been many times before. We couldn’t wait to see him perform. There was no mention on the advert that he was having the Saturday as his day off.” She continued: “If we’d have known, we’d have had the chance to book a different performance date. I know we weren’t the only ones to be disappointed after speaking to lots of members of the audience who were also fuming not to see Jason.” An email correspondence from Anthony Williams, the head of marketing for the council-owned establishment, addressed to a fan, was presented to the BBC and stated: “The event webpage and associated ticketing site clearly stated from the time of sale that Jason Donovan would not appear during Saturday performances. “This information was available to all prospective ticket buyers, and we advise all customers to review event details carefully before completing a purchase.” The email further conveyed: “We encourage guests to select performances based on the production as a whole rather than specific cast members, as live theatre is dynamic, and casting can be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances or contractual agreements.” A representative for Donovan indicated that he had several prior contractual obligations and that “we were unable to move a couple of them”. She further explained that he “rarely misses a show unless it is due to severe illness or he has a prior commitment, in which case, the date would be cleared in conjunction with the producers”. The spokeswoman affirmed that information regarding the shows he would not be performing in was explicitly provided on both the production’s and the star’s official websites. Clarification 28 November: The title of this report has been revised to indicate that Donovan’s non-appearance was pre-arranged and not a last-minute decision. Information on accessing BBC Radio Lancashire content is available on Sounds, and updates from BBC Lancashire can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas may also be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Details regarding its approach to external linking are available.