On July 26th, the basement of Back to the Grind was once again transformed by Club Vamp, this time into a cult-classic spectacle inspired by The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This special edition brought a completely fresh take to the local drag scene and delivered a full-length interactive tribute to the beloved film.

Instead of the usual solo numbers set to selected tracks, this event centered around a full screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with the movie projected directly onto the stage wall. As the film played, each performer took on one of the iconic characters, acting out their scenes live and bringing the movie to life with their own flair. Musical numbers were given the drag treatment, with characters stepping into the spotlight one by one for high-energy performances that stayed true to the source while embracing the spirit of Club Vamp.

The cast featured Club Vamp staples: Bruno as Magenta, Nikki Rose as Trixie the Usherette, Josefa Kurwa as Riff Raff, and Sir Cumcision as The Criminologist. Joining them were Bubblegum as Janet Weiss, Justin Roe as Brad Majors, Scarlette Fever as Columbia, King Alexander Couture as Dr. Everett Scott, and Nebula as the unforgettable Dr. Frank N. Furter.

One of the most unique elements of the night was the role of Rocky Horror, played not by a cast member, but by an audience member in each showing. Before the performance began, the cast selected a willing participant and gave them a full character transformation complete with makeup and a costume change. It added a whole new layer of interactivity and unpredictability to the night. Both participants fully leaned into the role and absolutely delivered, holding their own among seasoned performers and earning loud cheers throughout.

The environment set the tone perfectly. The room was bathed in red light, giving the space a moody, theatrical feel. Hand-built props and set pieces were used throughout, and splash zones were marked off for guests looking to get fully immersed. True to Rocky Horror tradition, the basement was stocked with newspapers, party hats, and other props that the audience was encouraged to use throughout the performance. During the rain scene, newspapers went up across the room and guests in the splash zones were sprayed with water guns, creating an unpredictable immersive experience

Two full showings were held that night, both completely free to the public. The first performance had a softer turnout, giving the cast time to warm into their roles. But by the time the second showing rolled around, the basement was packed. A line stretched through the coffee shop, and the crowd that made it in brought a whole new level of enthusiasm. They were loud, present, and fully ready to participate, making the second half of the night unforgettable.

Standout performances came from Justin Roe and Josefa Kurwa. Justin brought sharp timing, expressive movement, and natural charisma to the stage. Every scene he was in felt energized and connected, especially when interacting with the rest of the cast. He added humor and charm that made his performance a highlight of the night. Josefa was magnetic from the moment they entered. Their control, commitment, and stage presence were unmatched. Every movement was deliberate, every expression perfectly placed. It was the kind of performance that holds the room in attention and leaves a lasting impression.

Club Vamp’s Rocky Horror Picture Show was something completely new for the Riverside drag scene. It pushed the format, involved the audience at every step, and created a night that felt more like a piece of theater than a traditional drag show. The crowd showed up, the cast delivered, and the community came together once again to celebrate creativity, queerness, and pure love for performance.

Club Vamp, hosted by Bruno, continues to thrive in the local scene by consistently changing the game and bringing a fresh take to each show. No two editions are ever the same. Club Vamp: Cabaret leaned into slower-paced burlesque and intimate experience. Club Vamp: Mayhem celebrated the release of Lady Gaga’s new album with chaotic energy and bold spectacle. Club Vamp: CIRXUS delivered a full-on circus freakshow. Now with Rocky Horror Picture Show, the collective has taken things even further by turning the night into a fully immersive piece of theater. Club Vamp shows no fear of experimentation and continues to evolve with every event, proving itself as one of the most daring and creative forces in Riverside nightlife.

The next edition, Club Vamp: The World of Tim Burton, has already been announced. Described as “a night inspired by the mind and world of Tim Burton – all your favorite characters under one roof,” the show will be held on October 4th at Back To The Grind.