Rocky Horror Show, Princess Theatre, Torquay

Four and a half stars

A THRILL ride for theatre-goers, audiences in Torquay will be lapping up this extra special helping of the Rocky Horror Show.

A shock to the system of bed swapping, frivolity and fun it will whip you into a frenzy with brilliant singing, performing, music and stage production.

And the cast is so strong in this production that Rocky Horror virgins and die heard fans alike will be left screaming for more.

Even before you get into the theatre don't be alarmed to see men waddling along Rock Walk in their stilettos or underwear proudly on display from a bevy of beauties — this is the sort of raunchy riot of an experience that you have in store.

David Badella returns to the show providing an ample portion of Frank 'N' Furter genius. He oozes sex appeal and brings something extra to the role making me question who could fill these killer heels with such dominant decadence.

Famous for among other things his role as Satan in Jerry Springer, Bedella struts and aptly delivers a vibrant performance.

Former Blue Peter presenter Mark Curry take on the role of narrator and deals with the hecklers and enthusiastic audience with ease.

And the rest of the cast are excellent.

In my previous Rocky experience there were some big names in the roles of Brad and Janet but Richard Meek as Brad and Haley Flaherty as Janet showed off their talents from singing to much more with authority.

My personal favourite however was the enthusiastic Kara Lane who made a magnificent Magenta.

It may sound strange, because once you see Rocky Horror it is not something you will forget in a hurry, but it all came as quite a pleasant surprise to me as I couldn't quite remember what happens.

In brief the story follows sickly sweethearts Janet and Brad as they stumble into the weird and wonderful world of the unforgettable transvestite Frank 'N' Furter.

It all starts when the couple suffer a flat tyre on a wet and windy night and ends with so much more.

The comedy tricks of the set designs and the hilarity of the show as a whole is brilliant.

But the activity on stage is just half the story as you survey the auditorium.

With Rocky you are taken on a romp which dreams or should I say desires are made of.

Don't dream it — go see it.

ABI PARKES