We’re shivering with … antici–pation over the Kamloops Film Society’s annual showcase of the cult-classic Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). After only one month of ticket sales, the KFS is hosting an entirely sold-out show with live music from Kamloops’ queer alt-band, Angel’s Trumpet.
Rocky, as lovingly referred to by fans, follows the tremulous journey of a couple of vanilla sweethearts, Janet and Brad who find themselves stuck in a storm and must seek shelter in the mansion of the electric cross-dressing alien Dr. Frank-N-Furter, joined by his troop of eccentric characters who are always ready to party.
Dr. Frank-N-Furter was originally brought-to-life by the late actor, Tim Curry, who played an integral role in bringing Rocky to mainstream media. “Tim Curry never actually disclosed his sexuality to mainstream media” Sarah Cowger, Venue Rentals & Live Events Manager, said. “[Curry] authentically showed up as himself, regardless of speculation. [He was] like ‘If I want to wear fishnets and look great, then I will’”.
Rocky (1975) began as a live play, but was later adapted into a film which proved to be a cinematic flop amongst mainstream audiences and was criticized as “too campy” and difficult to follow. For the marginalized, however, the film became an escape.
“[The film] took off during the midnight screenings because the ‘weirdos, outcasts and punks’ found it and made it what it came to be,” Cowger said. In today’s cinematic landscape, Rocky (1975) is an important piece of queer history where fans can honour authenticity. “Going from a midnight screening to mainstream support on the contemporary landscape, it’s like the safety net for people,” Cowger said.
This year may look a bit different for fans of the film due to Curry’s recent passing from a stroke on Aug. 25, 2026. “When the announcement that Tim Curry had passed away, tickets started skyrocketing and they sold out a month before the screening,” Cowger said. “This year, I think the audience is going to go bigger with their costumes. I think it’s going to be a massively fun year. [The KFS] just wants everyone to have a good time, be respectful of the venue but at the same time: enjoy the chaos of it all.”
Rocky (1975) is the longest-running theatrical release in the history of film, and continues with a legacy of audience participation. The KFS in particular, is offering prop bags for members of the audience complete with toilet paper, confetti, balloons and instructions for a successful Time Warp. For audience members, Rocky (1975) is an opportunity to dress up in your garters, fishnets and garbs and join along in singing and shouting as Brad and Janet do the time warp again!
“People will just come in costume, or cosplay. They just like to dress up, or be on theme. You don’t see that in other towns” Cowger said.
This year, festivities will not be limited to audience participation but the showcase will also feature a live music component by four-piece queer alt-band Angel’s Trumpet who will be taking to the stage at 6:30 p.m.