WE all need to let our hair down (individually and colletively) in these stressful times - even if it is long, coloured green and covered in a sparkling top hat.

Such is the cult status of Richard O'Brien's legendary musical show that people still dress for the theatre - long may it continue.

The Rocky Horror Show is nearly 50 years old and ageing well.

A vibrant new production directed by Christopher Luscombe is currently on a world tour breathing new life into the classic.

Wirral Globe:

The Rocky Horror Show production image by David Freeman

And so Liverpool audiences - many in fish nets and suspenders (and the women) - are flocking back to see some familiar characters in a thoroughly rocking and rolling, sexy, naughty and visually powerful version.

This is where storylines are somewhat secondary.

The Rocky Horrow Show is a party!

Wirral Globe:

The Rocky Horror Show production image by David Freeman

Two sweethearts are forced to stop at a spooky castle where, in true Hollywood fashion, an eerie butler awaits and here a bisexual master/mistress of the house appears.

A hidden laboratory adds to the dark humour where our anti-hero the sex-obsessed Frank N Furter seeks to create a mate.

Stephen Webb as Frank struts around the stage in total command. A marvellous performance.

And his aide-de-camp Riff Raff is played perfectly by Kristian Lavercrombe who has made the role his own playing the part more than any other actor in the show's history.

Wirral Globe:

The Rocky Horror Show production image by David Freeman

There are some sultry assistants in Columbia ( Lauren Ingram) and Magenta / Usherette (Suzie McAdam).Each actress displays great comic timing complete with superb vocals to match.

A major highlight was the Time Warp led by Riff Raff. The show is only 30 minutes old when there is a standing (and dancing) ovation.

Janet (Haley Flaherty) and Brad (Strictly Come Dancing winner Ore Oduba) are a sheer delight - from start to boisterous finale.

An on stage band and dazzling choreography make this an outstanding version.

And we cannot forget the narrator here played all out for laughs by veteran actor Philp Franks better known as Charlie in the original Darling Buds of May TV series.

Here he is a joy referencing local.Liverpool places and dealing brilliantly with hecklers - perfick, indeed.

The audience shout abuse while the cast ad lib and everyone simply has a monster of a ball.

Rock on ... The Rocky Horror Show.

Globe verdict: Four stars - wonderfully warped

The show is at the Liverpool Empire until Saturday.

Tickets from the box office on 08448717615