Hats off to the team at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford for pulling of a ‘banger’ of a PR story to promote The Rocky Horror Show!

Jamie Leadbeatter, Marketing and Sales Manager for the venue explained how it all came about.

“We filmed a TikTok of the foyer in preparation for reopening, showing the various sales points and staff. We then pan round to Kay, who is unpacking merchandise for The Rocky Horror Show, what is believed to be Frank’n’Furter wigs. Upon opening the box, a very confused Kay holds up a tin of frankfurter sausages!

“A second video is made explaining the ordering ‘mishap’ now referred to as ‘FRANK ‘N’ GATE – whereby the supplier who stocks party supplies and party food has misunderstood our order and sent 52 tins of frankfurter sausages instead of 52 Frank’n’Furter wigs.

“We have since donated the tins to local foodbanks in Dartford and cast member Philip Franks (The Narrator) for the Dartford run has incorporated it into the show.

“We wanted to do something a little quirky, like the show… but never expected quite the response we have received!”

On top of local press coverage, the story was featured as an exclusive in the The Sun print and online editions, was talked about by Elaine Page on her BBC Radio 2 show, and was covered on BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat programme. There was further social media and online overage from What’s On Stage, Broadway World UK and Uni Lad and international coverage from Broadway World US and a Canadian radio station!