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Lauren Chia - Rocky Horror Show Interview

Richard O'Brien's cult musical Rocky Horror Show continues to delight audiences over 50 years after it first premiered. The hit show is back on the road playing on an extensive UK and International Tour. 

Having been seen by over 35 million theatregoers, Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet. When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank’n’Furter. It is an adventure they’ll never forget, filled with fun, frolics, frocks, and frivolity.

Lauren Chia (Janet) and Connor Carson (Brad). Photo by David Freeman

Lauren Chia takes on the role of Janet Weiss in the current tour. We sat down with Lauren to learn more about the production.

What can you tell me about the role of Janet Weiss and how she fits into the Rocky Horror story?
Janet is a very young naive all-American innocent girl. She starts the show with her fiancée Brad and once their car breaks down they stumble across a castle and ask for help. Their world is opened up and their eyes are opened. They have a sexual awakening. She finishes the show as a completely different person and there is a real arc to her story that makes it fun to play. 

What was your first encounter with Rocky Horror?
For as long as I can remember I've been aware of the film and the iconic Tim Curry play Frank 'N' Furter. Then as I got older I heard about productions which were being performed across the UK and I said to my friend I really want to go one day as I've never seen it and I'd love to get dressed up and I just think it would be so fun. So it's always been on my list to do, to actually go and see the show, so when the audition came through and I actually got the job I couldn't believe it. I've still actually yet to experience being in the audience! It's such fun being on the stage playing such an iconic role but one day when I leave the show I'd love to come back and experience it as an audience member.

With the show playing for over 50 years, how did you approach finding your own version of the character?
The creative team was so wonderful in allowing me to bring my own Janet to the table. I was conscious of not watching any footage of previous actors who have played the role before. It was important to bring my own take and not copy anybody else. We worked together to find my own version of the character. A lot of feedback I have had from people who have seen the show has said I am very innocent and have an innocent nature anyway. Then by the end of the show, she has let out her wild side which is nice because I get to show a darker side to her. It makes it really fulfilling to come to work every day. 

How do you reflect on the character's choices and journey throughout the piece?
Personally, I see a lot of myself in Janet. She has to explore that side with the sexual awakening. In society, it is very much you need to be like this and she starts very Stepford Wives at the beginning. She probably sees the world in a very different way when she leaves the castle at the end of the show. I think we can all can see parts of ourselves within that and people who come to watch the show will take that with them. The whole slogan of the show is 'Don't Dream It, Be It', I feel when people come to watch Rocky Horror they can just be free to be who want to be with no judgments. You are welcomed with open arms and I think that is why it has lasted so long and remains so popular.

Morgan Jackson (Rocky) and Lauren Chia (Janet). Photo by David Freeman

The audience is such a big part of the show, how do you mentally prepare for a performance?
At the very beginning, it took a while to get used to the audience participation, but now I've settled into the show I love it so much and really thrive off it. The first five minutes before the show I am saying hello to everyone backstage, getting into place and getting my water ready because once Janet is on she doesn't stop. She doesn't leave the stage apart from having a quick change.

Mentally beforehand, I like to listen to some music and do my makeup which I find quite therapeutic. I get my wig on and really become the character slowly in that hour before the show. Once I'm on and in the car, I'm ready to go and become Janet. 

The audience shoutouts are an iconic part of the production, how did you prepare for these in rehearsals?
Our director Chris Luscombe taught us the show. We learned all the blocking and the script and we did this without any of the callouts. I didn't actually know that was a thing when I got the job because I'd never seen the show. It didn't occur to me that people would be shouting out. In the final week before we opened Chris added in the shoutouts so we could get used to it. He did all of the usual well-known ones that the superfans would know and by the end of the week, he was like there is only so much I can do and you are just going to have to feel it once you get out on stage. 

Sometimes we get audiences that are a bit quieter and sometimes we audiences that know every one. That's the fun of it and it keeps it really exciting because every show is completely different every single night. Sometimes we get some really random ones and it can be quite hard to keep a straight face. I can't imagine the show without it now.

How rewarding is it for you when you see people out in the audience or at the stage door in their magnificent outfits?
It is so cool. It makes me realise I am part of something so huge. I'd obviously heard about the show but hadn't realised it was such a cult classic with such a big following. Everyone looks so amazing and has gone for it. Seeing people dressing up as Janet is really special to me at the stage door. Looking out during 'The Time Warp' and seeing everyone up on their feet having a great time. That's what makes it so worth it. If I'm having a bad day or if I'm feeling a little under the weather but as soon as I get on the stage and see everyone out there having a great time. I'm there and present in the moment and forget all my worries. It's so much fun and the audience is a part of the show and it's nothing like I've experienced. I've done pantomimes before and there is a lot bit of talking to the audience but nothing will compare to this. I do not think I'll do a show that is as fun as this. It's electric.

As an Asian actress, what is it like getting to represent in a cult musical like this?
It's so special to me. I'd never had Janet on my list of characters that I'd thought I'd play. Looking at the film she is played by the amazing Susan Sarandon and previous actors I'd seen had never looked like me. I never thought it would be possible that I could play it. I'm an Asian actor, I'm half Asian, and I've been in shows where there's an all-Asian cast and shows where that is not important in the casting process. I think it's really nice that this time it's not race-specific. The character of Janet could be any race. I think it's really wonderful that I have this opportunity to play this character and representation is so important I'd like to think that if any young inspiring actors with a similar heritage as me were to come and watch the show, they would be able to see that is is possible. I feel really fortunate to be here playing her. 

If you could turn the tables and ask Janet one question, what would you want to ask her?
That's a really tough question but one thing I'd ask is how does she really feel about Brad? In my head they are childhood sweethearts, they've met each other's parents and they approve. They are very straight-laced and very perfect on paper but how does she really feel about him. She has been easily swayed and she is attracted to Rocky and to Frank. She is having all these sexual experiences and her eyes have been opened. Brad and Janet do leave together but it's up to interpretation as to whether they end up getting married or not. That would be my question to her, is is someone you are going to spend the rest of your life with?

If you could invite one of your former characters to watch Rocky Horror, which would you invite?
I was in The Sound of Music at Chichester Festival Theatre a couple of years ago. I played Sister Sophia who is a nun. I think she'd get the shock of her life if she came to watch this but I think it would be so funny to watch. 

Lauren Chia (Janet) and Connor Carson (Brad). Photo by David Freeman

What was the first piece of theatre that had a big impact on you wanting to be a performer?
My first ever West End show was We Will Rock You. I was 11 and it opened at the Dominion Theatre. That was the moment I was like wow I want to do that. I'd always performed as a kid and have been singing and dancing since I could walk really. My mum and dad sent me to dance and acting classes and I saw that as a hobby, something I'd loved doing at the weekends but I didn't see it as a career. But after seeing We Will Rock You and all the performers. I realised that you actually could become a performer. From that moment on I worked so hard and there was no question for me whether I would do this. I absolutely had to do it. People often ask if you weren't a performer what would you do, and I have no answer for them because performing is all I'd wanted to do.

What is equally as special is that in the Rocky Horror Show, I got to perform on the Dominion Theatre stage last September. Such a full circle moment and my mum and dad came to the gala and watched me. I couldn't believe that I was the leading lady on that particular stage and I'd been sitting in that same auditorium with my parents as an 11-year-old and I got to do it. I'm just so grateful and I thank Rocky Horror for that. That opportunity is something that will stick with me forever

If you were stranded on a deserted island but could have three musical theatre soundtracks with you, what would you take and why?
The Phantom Of The Opera because it is so beautiful and I love singing all the music.
West Side Story is my absolute all-time favourite musical
Wicked - I've recently refound my love for it since the film came out. I listen to it daily now.

What gives you inspiration?
For me it's music. Music is so important to me. One day I'd love to get into film and TV at some point but I'm not in a hurry. The one that drives me and makes me want to perform is the music. I really feel it when there is a score that connects with me. If I hear a song I have to get up and dance or sing it. I can tell when I'm having a down day because I don't sing. I sing when I'm happy. I sing in the shower. It's so important to me. I can't imagine not being able to do that in my day to day. I'm so fortunate that I get to do it for my job. 

Why should anyone who hasn't booked yet come and Rocky Horror?
You should come because you won't be disappointed. It is a fun night out, the atmosphere is electric and the music is incredible. It's pure rock and roll. Bring your friends, get dressed up, have a drink and have a fabulous night out. It's all about being free to be yourself. I'm definitely going to be to going to see it once I finish and experience it on the other side! 

Rocky Horror Show plays at Milton Keynes Theatre from Monday 10th until Saturday 15th February 2025. Tickets are available from https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-rocky-horror-show/milton-keynes-theatre/

The tour continues with dates on sale into 2026. Visit https://rockyhorror.co.uk/ for full tour dates and booking information.

Lauren Chia (Janet), Connor Carson (Brad) and Job Greuter (Riff Raff). Photo by David Freeman

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