Kristian Lavercombe: Riff Raff Role Still Missed by Record Holder

For fifteen years, Kristian Lavercombe was Riff Raff. The Welsh-born actor has performed the iconic role in The Rocky Horror Show a staggering 2,622 times, earning him a world record and a devoted following. Now, as he tours New Zealand as The Narrator in the same production, Lavercombe admits to experiencing a sense of mourning after stepping away from the character that defined much of his career.

“I never got bored,” Lavercombe told Culture 101, reflecting on his long run as Riff Raff. “I was always excited to do the show. And I think part of that is because the audiences in Rocky Horror are unlike any other show I’ve ever experienced. They are part of the show.”

That participatory element is key to the show’s enduring appeal. The Rocky Horror Show, a musical created by Richard O’Brien, first premiered in London in 1973. A playful homage to science fiction and horror B-movies, the story centers on a newly engaged couple who stumble upon the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a “sweet transvestite” scientist, and his latest creation, Rocky. The show quickly gained a cult following, fueled by its campy aesthetic, catchy songs like “Time Warp,” and the freedom it afforded audiences to interact with the performance.

Lavercombe describes the unique dynamic between performers and audience. “Audiences in Rocky Horror can do what normal audiences would never think of doing. 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. Often there are what we call call-outs, but they’re kind of set lines that the audience, if they want to, can call out in between the actors lines. And often they’re the funniest lines in the show.”

The actor’s journey to becoming the definitive Riff Raff was somewhat unexpected. He initially auditioned for the show intending to avoid the role, believing his vocal range wasn’t suited to the character’s demanding songs. “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 think I can sing that,” he recalled. However, he ultimately decided against negativity during the audition. “I thought when I got into the audition, don’t be negative Kristian, just don’t say anything. They’re never going to get you to sing that….”

He got the part, and the rest, as they say, is history. Lavercombe’s portrayal of Riff Raff has been lauded by Richard O’Brien himself, who described him as “a fantastically talented Riff Raff.” Descriptions of his performance range from “deliciously sleazy” to “simply perfection.” His commitment to the role extended far beyond the stage, encompassing numerous international tours including stops in Australia, the UK, and South Africa.

While Lavercombe’s record-breaking run as Riff Raff has come to an end, his connection to The Rocky Horror Show continues. Taking on the role of The Narrator allows him to remain involved with a production he clearly cherishes, albeit from a different perspective. He’s witnessed the show’s ability to transcend generations, consistently attracting new audiences while retaining its loyal fanbase.

Lavercombe’s career extends beyond Rocky Horror, with leading roles in over 30 professional productions. He’s tackled roles such as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar and Bobby Strong in Urinetown, demonstrating a versatility that belies his long association with a single character. However, it’s clear that Riff Raff holds a special place in his heart, and the experience of playing him for so many years has left an indelible mark.

The enduring popularity of The Rocky Horror Show speaks to its unique ability to connect with audiences on a visceral level. It’s a celebration of individuality, a rejection of societal norms, and a reminder that sometimes, the most fun is had when breaking the rules. And for Kristian Lavercombe, it was a fifteen-year journey of performance, connection, and a role he still, undeniably, misses.