Little Nell Brings Rocky Horror's Revolutionary Spirit to New Zealand
As conservatism tightens its grip across the globe, the liberating message of The Rocky Horror Picture Show has never felt more vital. Little Nell Campbell, the iconic tap-dancing Columbia from Richard O'Brien's groundbreaking musical, is bringing that spirit of radical acceptance to Auckland this month as guest of honour for a visiting West End production.
"It's a licence to express yourself freely and be proud of who you are," Campbell reflects, speaking about the enduring power of the show that launched her career when she was just 19. "Whether it's recognising your sexuality or lost souls realising that not everyone has to be conventional. It just seems to open people up, and they can fly."
A Kiwi Creation That Changed the World
Created by New Zealand's own Richard O'Brien, who also plays the alien servant Riff Raff, Rocky Horror premiered in 1973 as a stage production before becoming the longest-running film in cinema history. The musical's story of transsexual aliens corrupting innocent American teenagers was revolutionary for its time and remains a powerful statement about sexual liberation and gender fluidity.
Campbell's journey began when she was discovered busking on London streets. O'Brien spotted the young performer and cast her on the spot as the sequin-bedazzled alien groupie Columbia. "I pretty much threw off my apron," Campbell recalls of that life-changing moment. "And well, the rest is history."
Celebrating 50 Years of Liberation
Fresh from a triumphant 30-date US tour celebrating the show's 50th anniversary, Campbell performed alongside original cast members Barry Bostwick and Patricia Quinn to sellout crowds of up to 4,000 fans. The tour featured fancy dress competitions, Q&A sessions, and shadow performances, demonstrating the show's continued relevance in today's cultural landscape.
"At one recent show, someone asked about the movie's orgy scene," Campbell shares with characteristic wit. "My reply was, 'A wet orgy's the same as a dry orgy. Everyone gravitates toward the star.'"
A Message More Needed Than Ever
Now in her early 70s, Campbell believes Rocky Horror's message of acceptance and self-expression is more crucial than ever as conservative forces gain ground globally. The show's celebration of diversity, sexual freedom, and non-conformity offers a powerful counter-narrative to rising intolerance.
During her Auckland visit, Campbell is particularly excited to reconnect with O'Brien, who remains deeply connected to his creation. The playwright was recently in Hamilton celebrating the return of his bronze Riff Raff statue to Embassy Park, where he once watched late-night horror films while working as a local barber.
A Legacy of Inclusion
Campbell's colourful life extends far beyond Rocky Horror. She's owned Manhattan nightclub Nell's, operated New York restaurants, and made her Broadway debut in 2003. Her one-woman show, All's Nell that Ends Nell, awaits a potential New Zealand debut.
The stories from her recent tour illustrate the show's profound impact across generations. A middle-aged man brought his 70-year-old mother dressed as Janet, while another woman shared that her parents conceived her after their first date at the film. "So, her mother lost her virginity twice," Campbell quips, referencing the tradition of calling Rocky Horror newcomers 'virgins.'
As Campbell prepares for her Auckland appearance, she embodies the show's enduring spirit of playful rebellion and radical acceptance. "I don't really know what's going to be expected of me," she admits. "I'd better pack my tap shoes. Anything could happen."
In a world increasingly divided by conservative backlash against LGBTQ+ rights and sexual freedom, Rocky Horror's message remains as revolutionary as ever: everyone deserves the right to express their authentic self without fear or shame.