Come April, the talented 29-year-old will take centre stage at Sydney's Lyric Theatre, reprising the role of Rocky in Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show.

Flaunting it all on stage as the all-brawn and no-brain blond is a dream role for the former Albion Park man who has worked his way from community theatre and school spectaculars to star alongside the likes of Bert Newton and Craig McLachlan. It's a far cry from the youngster who once cowered from the spotlight.

"When I was four or five I was really shy, so my mum thought it might be a nice idea to join a drama class in Shellharbour," Irving said.

"That was when I caught the performing bug ... [and] from then on I just took every opportunity I could to perform [and build new skills]."

The Wollongong High School of Performing Arts graduate continued his studies at the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Arts before scoring a scholarship to hone his trade in the United States in 2009.

There he rubbed shoulders with legendary lyricists, composers and actors like Liza Minnelli, Sheldon Harnick, Craig Carnelia and Stephen Schwartz.

The experience boosted his confidence and enjoyment while performing to packed houses in his first lead role.

"The Rocky Horror Show is a crazy amount of fun," he said.

"It's a pretty special experience for any performer to be in a show that people love, and that people will come back to see 10 times."