The Rocky Horror show is the perfect antidote to the British stiff upper lip, its star tells Laura Davis

Created 30 years ago by Richard O’Brien, who would later present TV game show The Crystal Maze, the musical parodied 1970s science fiction films such as Flash Gordon, The Day of the Triffids and It Came From Outer Space, all of which are referred to in the opening and closing song, Science Fiction/Double Feature.

Brad and Janet are an innocent young couple whose car breaks down on a deserted road in the middle of the night.

They seek refuge in a creepy castle, where Frank ‘n’ Furter (previously played by Anthony Head and Jason Donovan) has been attempting to create the perfect man from half of a delivery boy’s brain.

By the second act, they’ve dropped their defences and are drawn into the crazy transvestite’s world – orgies and all.

Given what is screened on mainstream TV these days, the show is more risqué than shocking, although it’s not exactly family viewing.

Bedella believes the show’s unrivalled popularity, particularly in Britain, is because it provides an escape from traditional reserve.

“I think it’s just such a relief for the audience because the average Joe is working in an office or somewhere where they’ve got to be prim and proper,” he explains.

“This is one of those shows where you’re asked to be the opposite – let your hair down, dress up in something you would never wear in ordinary life and get a little crazy.”

THE Rocky Horror Show is at the Empire Theatre, from November 9-14.