Like something from another planet they came, braving the cold weather in wigs, leather and lingerie - all for a night at the theatre.
 Around 1,200 devotees turned up for a sell-out showing of cult film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, at Newcastle's Theatre Royal. But instead of sitting quietly after the house lights dimmed, this group of office workers, students and even scientists were encouraged to stand up, scream and, Do The Timewarp. It was the first time a singalong version of the cult 1975 film, which follows a young couple and their encounter with the alien transvestite Dr Frank N Furter, had been held at the theatre - which has already screened a singalong Sound Of Music. But last night's performance could well be the strangest evening staged there this year. Before proceedings had got underway, fans like civil servant Paul Good, sporting a black wig and tights, were getting astonished looks from passersby on Grey Street. Paul, a 39-year-old, from Gosforth, who came as Dr Frank N Furter, said: "I had the stuff on underneath my clothes and just took the top layer off. "I have been to a couple of these and it's such a great atmosphere. You can do what you want and nobody cares." Butcher Andy Brennan, 38, from Wallsend, had also come out as the evil doctor but went for the more sensible green operating robes, surgical cap and gloves. He said: "It's just for a laugh. I have never been to one of these before but it's a cracking film. "If there's a big group of you out and you're all dressed up you don't feel stupid." Proudly wearing a red wig and maid's outfit, 40-year-old Phil Lorking, from Benwell, had come dressed as Magenta. Phil, who had already seen the film 14 times, said: "It's just a laugh, with the singalong Rocky Horror you get a lot of fun. "I have been to the Sound of Music one before but not this, it's a fabulous atmosphere. Everybody is just dressed up and sending themselves up." Made up with white face powder and dark bags under the eyes, insurance worker Alistair Kennedy, 43, and biologist Ewa Markiewicz, had come as the undead.
 Alistair, from Newcastle, said: "We have not been to this before, we are the undead. I have seen the film before, it's good fun, a barrel of laughs." Ewa, from Durham City, added: "It's complete spiritual freedom." But the star of the show was network manager, Andrew Basak (pictured), who won the fashion parade before the show and the screams from the crowd for his Dr Frank N Furter. Dressed in suspenders, he said afterwards: "I have been to the live show once before and it's great. The competition was very tough, but I'm gorgeous." | 
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