Superstar Jason Donovan is to appear at this month’s Slapstick festival of silent and classic film and TV comedy in Bristol after agreeing to stand in for the advertised host of its showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Colston Hall on Saturday 27 January (8.15pm for 9pm).   

Jason, who played the lead role of Frank N Furter in the cult musical’s 25th anniversary tour, is stepping in as a replacement for Christopher Biggins who has had to withdraw due to an unforeseen last minute clash of commitments. 

Festival director Chris Daniels said: “We are thrilled beyond words that Jason Donovan is joining us. We are sorry, of course, that Christopher can no longer be part of our 14th annual festival but who would ever have imagined that we’d be able to persuade such an internationally known and loved star to come in his place?” 

Existing ticket holders will be advised of the change in the next few days.  Extra seats are still available, though, from the Colston Hall box office (www.colstonhall.org; 0117 203 4040) and will be on sale at the original price of £10 to £25, inclusive of pre-show entertainments, as soon as the booking site can be updated. 

Jason Donovan will also be judging a prize competition for the best dressed attendees. 

For further news about the event and the rest of the Slapstick 2018 programme, please see www.slapstick.org.uk.