Fishnets and skimpy pants are the look of the evening and the women don’t fare too badly either.

After security searches for the ever present water pistols, rice and torches, the buzz of excitement in the sold out theatre is evident as the crowd sing along to the pre show soundtrack of Steppenwolf and Black Sabbath.

The man behind this phenomenon makes a surprise appearance to introduce the show and to plug the Manchester hospital kids cancer charity that tonight’s proceeds are going to.

Richard O’Brien is no doubt a creative genius and a proper celebrity to boot. The show itself is not too faithful to the original. Yes, all the characters are there and as you’d expect, but the songs are given a soul vibe with OTT endings (Science Fiction Double Feature, Sweet Transvestite) and gay disco beat during Janet’s skin flick yearnings in ‘Touch Me’.

Nobody could ever rival Tim Curry’s performance as Dr Frank N Furter, but Jonathan Wilkes has an exuberant attitude which makes him suited to the part, and John Stalker, former Deputy Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police reacts with wit to the cries of ‘boring!’ from the crowd with every appearance.

The standout performance of the night is from Nikki Wilson, who usually plays a Phantom who tonight played Columbia on the button from the squeaky voice to her petulant tap dancing.

Rocky Horror is an institution that encourages glamour, silliness and having a bloody good time, so it’s no surprise to see 60 year old ladies trussed up like Magenta and Manc hard men with their meat and two veg tightly packed.

The feeling that tonight is a special night is catching and everyone is up on their feet for the two renditions of ‘Time Warp’ and a standing ovation from Richard O’Brien, cast and crew is certainly unsurprising.