THE Rocky Horror Show was only supposed to run for five weeks when it opened in London in 1973, but 30 years later the party has still got audiences rocking in the aisles.

Richard O'Brien's cult show held its Manchester fans spellbound on the opening night of this camp rock 'n' roll musical's latest production.

Robbie Williams' former flatmate Jonathan Wilkes shone as transsexual Frank N Furter, who wore his fishnet tights and basque with style.

The plot is simple -- Brad and Janet, a newly-engaged dizzy couple played by Katie Rowley-Jones and Jon Boydon, break down in the middle of nowhere.

They seek help at Frank N Furter's castle and are quickly sucked into his world.

Frank N Furter has created the perfect man -- Rocky, played by Graham Tudor -- who gyrates around the stage, much to the delight of the female fraternity.

The music sounded as fresh as it did 30 years ago -- thanks to strong vocal performances from the cast.

The choreography was slick and the infamous costumes out of this world.

Former Greater Manchester Deputy Chief Constable John Stalker stole the show as the narrator.

"It's like an Ann Summers party in Denton," he said as he walked on stage.

The Rocky Horror Show would not have been complete without the Time Warp, which had everyone dancing.

By the end, creator O'Brien, wearing a pink dress and wig, had everyone singing happy birthday for Rocky. Many happy returns!

Runs until Saturday.

Robert Johnson