Cult Classic Explored: “Strange Journey” Rocky Horror Doc Sets UK/Ireland Release Dates

A new documentary promising an in-depth look at the enduring phenomenon of The Rocky Horror Show has confirmed its premiere and release schedule across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Titled “Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror,” the film delves into the creation and cultural impact of the iconic stage musical and subsequent film adaptation, featuring insights from key figures involved in its storied history.

Kaleidoscope Entertainment has officially announced the UK release plan for the highly anticipated documentary. The rollout is set to begin with a series of high-profile festival premieres before a wider theatrical distribution later in the year 2025.

Festival Circuit Begins in the UK

The documentary’s journey commences in the United Kingdom with its official UK Premiere slated for June 19, 2025, at the prestigious Sheffield DocFest. This appearance marks a significant moment for the film, placing it within one of the leading documentary festivals globally and signalling its potential critical reception in the documentary sphere.

Following its debut in Sheffield, the film will travel south for a screening at the SCI-FI-LONDON Film Festival. This second UK festival appearance is scheduled for June 22, 2025, providing another opportunity for UK audiences and genre enthusiasts to experience the documentary early. The inclusion in the SCI-FI-LONDON lineup underscores the unique blend of science fiction, horror, and musical theatre that defines the Rocky Horror legacy and its broad appeal.

The film’s path then extends beyond the UK mainland. The Irish Premiere has been confirmed for August 3, 2025, at the GAZE festival in Dublin. GAZE, known for its focus on LGBTQ+ themes in film and culture, provides a fitting platform for a documentary exploring a cultural touchstone that has resonated deeply within the queer community for decades, celebrating diversity and self-expression.

According to the distributor, Kaleidoscope Entertainment, these initial dates represent the commencement of the documentary’s festival run. Additional previews and further festival screenings are expected to be announced later, suggesting the film may appear at other notable cultural events and film festivals leading up to its general release.

Theatrical Release Confirmed

After its initial presentations on the festival circuit, “Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror” is scheduled to transition to a wider theatrical release across the UK and Ireland. This cinematic debut is set for October 3, 2025. The decision for a cinema release indicates the distributor’s confidence in the film’s appeal to a broad audience, extending beyond dedicated fans of the cult classic to documentary enthusiasts interested in cultural history, film studies, and social impact.

The October release date positions the film strategically within the autumn cinematic schedule, potentially leveraging the perennial Halloween association with The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which often sees renewed interest and celebratory screenings around that time of year, especially given its status as a horror-comedy musical.

Featuring the Voices of the Phenomenon

A key highlight and draw of the documentary is its roster of interviewees, bringing together many of the foundational figures who shaped The Rocky Horror phenomenon from its theatrical origins to its cinematic enduring legacy, alongside contemporary admirers who speak to its lasting influence. The film features interviews with original cast members from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, providing rare firsthand accounts of its creation, production, and unexpected trajectory to international cult status.

Prominent among these compelling voices are those of Tim Curry, the actor who originated the role of the iconic Dr. Frank-N-Furter; Susan Sarandon, who portrayed the innocent Janet Weiss; Barry Bostwick, who starred as the square Brad Majors; Patricia Quinn, known for her memorable role as Magenta; and Nell Campbell, who starred as Columbia. Their collective participation offers unparalleled insight into the experience of making the film and witnessing its unprecedented transformation into a global interactive event and cultural movement.

The documentary also includes perspectives from celebrity fans, illustrating the breadth and depth of Rocky Horror‘s cultural reach and its impact across various entertainment fields. Among these notable contributors are renowned actor, comedian, and musician Jack Black and celebrated drag queen, singer-songwriter, and television personality Trixie Mattel. Their inclusion highlights how the show has inspired subsequent generations of performers, artists, and cultural figures across diverse platforms.

Through these candid interviews and archival footage, “Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror” aims to explore the multifaceted appeal of the show and film, from its transgressive themes and catchy musical numbers to its unique relationship with its dedicated fanbase and its pioneering role in the history of interactive cinema and fan culture.

The Enduring Legacy

The Rocky Horror Show, since its modest debut in London in 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre and the subsequent release of The Rocky Horror Picture Show film adaptation in 1975, has transcended its origins to become a complex and enduring cultural touchstone. It is celebrated globally for its bold exploration of sexuality, gender identity, and freedom of expression, and perhaps most famously, for pioneering the concept of audience participation, transforming passive film screenings into vibrant, communal, and often raucous theatrical events.

Decades later, midnight screenings featuring dedicated shadow casts acting out the film and audience callback lines remain a global tradition, a powerful testament to the unique and sustained bond between the work and its devoted followers. A documentary exploring this “strange journey” is poised to offer both long-time fans and newcomers alike a deeper understanding of how a low-budget stage musical became an enduring, boundary-pushing, and beloved cultural phenomenon.

The confirmed UK and Irish premiere and release dates for “Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror” signal that 2025 is set to be a significant year for enthusiasts eager to revisit the origins and ongoing impact of this cinematic and theatrical landmark through the eyes of those who lived it and those who continue to love it.