Adam Strong The rocky horror show’s frank n Furter

Adam Strong is no stranger to commanding the stage, and his latest role as Frank N. Furter in the U.K. tour of The Rocky Horror Show is nothing short of iconic. With a career spanning powerhouse performances in Jesus Christ Superstar, Rock of Ages, and We Will Rock You, Adam brings a wealth of experience—and plenty of attitude—to the legendary role. As a queer performer myself, I was eager to dive into his journey, his take on Frank’s unapologetic queerness, and what it means to strut across the stage in fishnets and heels. Let’s do the Time Warp with Adam Strong!

Thanks for taking the time to chat Adam, let’s go back to the beginning for anyone not familiar, tell us where you grew up and where you live now...

I grew up in Sunderland and I live in Houghton le spring now, although I’m never there due to work.

What first ignited your love for musical theatre? Was there a defining moment when you knew this was the life for you?

I’ve always loved musicals since I was a child. The first time I saw Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera on stage, I was hooked, it’s such an incredible show.

Many LGBTQ+ performers face challenges breaking into the industry. Did you encounter any barriers along the way, and how did you navigate them?

Thankfully I cannot relate to that personally and the majority of people I work with in the industry are from the LGBTQ community.

Your career has been incredibly diverse, what was the audition or role that changed everything for you?

When I auditioned for We Will Rock You, I am a massive queen fan and I knew it was time to move from understudy to playing a role of my own, and it worked out.

You’ve played some legendary roles—what’s been the most rewarding, and is there one that felt particularly personal to you?

Playing Jafar in Disney’s Aladdin was very personal to me, the animation was the first time I’d seen anyone who looked like me on screen! And Disney is so conscientious about casting a diverse company.

Do you find yourself drawn to certain kinds of characters, or do you enjoy pushing yourself in unexpected directions?

I play very different roles, but I have a lot of fun with villains and quirky roles.

Every performer has that show where something wild happened on stage—any funny or unexpected moments you can share?

I did fall down the stairs when I did Jesus Christ Superstar, and I couldn’t stop laughing.

I had a nosy on your insta you have met and worked with so many amazing people, who was someone you were completely star struck with and what were they like?

I think for me it will always be Brian May, as a massive queen fan, getting to work alongside him was a dream come true and he’s the nicest man you’ll ever wish to meet.

We need to talk about Rocky Horror - Frank N. Furter is larger than life. What was your process for stepping into those iconic heels and making him your own?

I’ve been a massive Rocky Horror fan for many many years, and I’ve studied many different Franks, so for me it just felt like the right fit.

The Rocky Horror fanbase is legendary.

What’s been your most memorable fan interaction so far?

The fans are so supportive of the show! I get a lot of gifts which is very kind, as I love show memorabilia.

This show has always celebrated queerness and breaking boundaries. What does playing Frank mean to you personally?

I think as a Gay man stepping into the role it’s very important for representation within our community, quite often Rocky is a safe space for a lot of people to celebrate their Queerness and even explore it, so it means the world I get to play him.

Rocky Horror has been pushing boundaries for 50 years. In 2025, do you think it still has the same rebellious edge?

Oh, I think Rocky is timeless and always will be. I had a chat with our wonderful director in rehearsals, and we had a look at the script from the 70’s and it’s almost identical.

Have you observed significant changes in representation within musical theatre over the years?

I’ve observed a change in diversity, when I first graduated the world was a different place.

What advice would you offer to young performers who are just starting their careers in this industry?

Go to dance class! It was something I never really did. Also just go to all classes, singing, dancing and acting. You never stop learning. Really focus on your audition songs, I have two, and that’s it. I think it’s important to have songs perfected and when you have too many that’s not possible. I’ve been singing the same two for many years. You can never stop learning, do your research and don’t expect things to fall onto your lap. Hard work! Knowledge is power.

Adam thanks for taking the time to chat with me, I look forward to seeing you and the cast when you arrive in Belfast

Interview with Daniel May

Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show arrives at The Grand Opera House, Belfast on 21st July, tickets are available NOW via gok.co.uk