Frock 'n' Roll

Richard O'Brien, audience members are encouraged to dress up for the occasion of his 75th birthday at Baycourt. Best dressed will win a piece of his art. Photo/Jason Oxenham.

It's just a jump to the left and then a step to the right: Katikati local and international celebrity Richard O'Brien has danced to his own tune all his life.

The Rocky Horror Show creator has tasted glamour and success, but it has not been without personal struggle, and he says he is grateful for many things with the clicking over of his 75th milestone.

"I am grateful for the gift of life and belonging to a race of sentient beings. I am grateful for my marriage to Sabrina and of course, the love of my children. I am very blessed that I am loved. My children try to avoid me sometimes, but they like my company and I am very blessed."

He said people living in the Western world should count themselves lucky.

"When you look around the world, we should say, 'thank God I have a roof over my head and food in my fridge'," he says.

People who are not so fortunate are at the forefront of Richard's birthday wishes, specifically, the children and families of the Starship hospital.

Proceeds from his birthday bash at Baycourt are all going to the Starship Foundation.

Among the guests performing is virtuoso pianist Grant Winterburn and Tauranga blues and roots band Kokomo. Also joining Richard is long-time friend and well-known broadcaster Mark Sainsbury.

Award-winning Australian actor/singer Craig McLachlan, who played Frank N Furter in the 2014 revival of The Rocky Horror Show, is flying over from Australia to join the fun.

Supporting Starship children's hospital is a tradition for Richard who asked family and fans to donate to the hospital in lieu of a gift for his birthday.

"Richard O'Brien has been a wonderful supporter of Starship Foundation over the years and we are so honoured he has chosen to support us again by giving up his 75th birthday for Starship.

It's a brilliant concept, and one we hope will inspire others to jump on board and give up their own birthdays to help children, young people and their families from all over New Zealand," says Starship Foundation chief executive Brad Clark.

the fine print
What: 75 Years of Frock 'n' Roll
Where: Baycourt
When: Friday, March 24.