With previous roles in touring productions of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Rock Of Ages, We Will Rock You and Aladdin under his belt, musical theatre star Adam Strong is currently wearing the iconic heels of Frank N Furter in The Rocky Horror Show. 
What’s On recently caught up with Adam to find out more about his performance pathway so far...

Where are you from, Adam? 
I grew up in Sunderland and am based just outside of Durham - although I'm never there, due to work.  

When did you first realise you had some talent, and who encouraged you?
My sister was a dancer for many years, and I used to love watching her, especially in the panto at the Sunderland Empire, which she did for many years. She was the one who encouraged me to get started in musical theatre and helped me land my first role, which was Jerome in The Sound Of Music at the Sunderland Empire. I've loved musicals since being a child - the first time I saw The Phantom Of The Opera on stage, I was hooked. 

Was there a moment when you realised you wanted to be a professional performer, and is there a role that changed everything for you?
When I auditioned for We Will Rock You. I’m 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. 

What was your first major role, and is there a role that has a special significance. 
My first musical as an adult was Jesus Christ Superstar - the arena tour starring Tim Minchin and Mel C. I played a priest and understudied the role of Annas. I had the most amazing time touring the world with that show - and performing in arenas was just unbelievable. 
Also, playing Jafar in Disney's Aladdin was very personal to me. Watching the animated film was the first time I had seen anyone who looked like me on screen [Adam describes himself as half Middle Eastern]. Disney is so conscientious about casting a diverse company. 

You've performed all over the world. Do you have any highlights?
I have many career highlights, but I think performing opposite Brian May for our gala performance of We Will Rock You will always stick out as one of my proudest moments. 

What do you love about playing Frank N Furter? 
It’s such an empowering role, and I get to sing all of my favourite songs and be part of the musical’s history. I've been a massive Rocky Horror Show 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 Show fanbase is legendary. What’s your experience of them?
The fans are so supportive of the show! I get a lot of gifts, which is very kind, as I love show memorabilia. 

Rocky Horror has been pushing boundaries for 50 years. Do you think it still has that same rebellious edge in 2025? 
Oh, I think the show is timeless and always will be! I had a chat with our wonderful director, Chris Luscombe, in rehearsals, and we had a look at the script from the 1970s - it's almost identical!

Adam Strong stars in The Rocky Horror Show when it visits the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Monday 5 to Saturday 10 May, and the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, from Monday 22 to Saturday 27 September