Madness took its toll on Bradford’s Alhambra tonight as the raucous Rocky Horror Show hit Bradford.

The cackling crowds were shivering with ‘anticipation’ before being treated to a show unlike any other.

Basques, corsets, fishnet tights and maids’ uniforms were among the costumes of those in the audience – and that was just the men.

The story is a science fiction spectacular and a journey of sexual discovery, turning upside down the worlds of straight-laced couple Brad and Janet.

As the pair make their way to visit their former science tutor Dr Scott, their car gets a flat tyre and they seek refuge in an old castle.

They soon realise that all is not as it seems when they are introduced to Frank ‘N’ Furter, the master of the house, who, after having discovered the secret to life itself, created a man – a blond muscle-bound specimen by the name of Rocky.

The Rocky Horror Show is perhaps the most interactive musical show, and the audience even felt drips of water from the ceiling when Brad and Janet found themselves caught in a downpour.

Every person in the stalls rose to their feet the moment the Time Warp started and joined in. It remains a classic number 37 years since the show was first taken to London’s West End in 1973.

The star of the show was undoubtedly David Bedella as Frank ‘n’ Furter.

The theatre stalwart, who has starred in films alongside Anthony Hopkins and Christian Bale, gave a charismatic and exciting performance as Frank, the Sweet Transvestite from Transexual Transylvania.

Taking on the role of narrator was TV chef Ainsley Harriott, who threw himself into the part, and was ready for witty contributions from the audience – at one point even producing a packet of his own-brand cous cous to a riotous cheer.

Nobody at the Alhambra wanted the show to end this evening. I counted at least five curtain calls.

The cast appreciated the standing ovation and treated the crowd to a reprise of the Time Warp. Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show will be at the Alhambra every night until Saturday.

For tickets phone the box office on (01274) 432000.