IT'S boom-time for basques in Southampton at the moment - and all thanks to The Rocky Horror Show. Fans of the adults-only rock 'n' roll sci-fi musical starring Jonathan Wilkes and Neil and Christine Hamilton have been snapping up sexy clothes to wear to the show, currently playing at The Mayflower theatre.

Shops all over the city have been ransacked for boots, basques, garters, stockings and suspenders and other distinctly racy garments by theatre-goers determined to join in the spirit of the gender-bending theatrical phenomenon.

Currently celebrating its 30th anniversary, the musical is one of an increasing number of cult stage shows which encourage their audience members to dress up and behave as outrageously as they can.

Women slip into their best bondage gear or maids' outfits, while men you might expect to spontaneously combust from embarrassment seem perfectly happy to don stockings, make-up and frilly knickers.

Other shows, such as Sing-Along-a-Sound-of-Music and Sing-Along-a-Abba have cashed in on the trend, but Rocky Horror got there first - and still does it best.

Brian Marshall, who runs erotic clothing shop GOSH in the Bargate Centre with his wife Sue, has been overrun with customers looking for something to wear to the show.

"I'd say 80 to 90 per cent of our customers at the moment are buying stuff to wear to The Rocky Horror Show," says Brian, 48, who with his wife attended the first-night performance on Monday in full Frank N Furter-style get-up.

"What we find is that when Rocky Horror is on, we get people who wouldn't normally wear this type of stuff - but perhaps have always wanted to - coming into the shop. There's always a knock-on effect - a lot of the people trying it for the first time decide they like it and come back again.

"Rocky Horror is more than just going to the theatre. It's a really fun night out. I'm sure a lot of people would like to dress like that all the time."

Mayflower bosses have also reported an unusual level of interest. According to head of marketing, Paul Lewis, the show has attracted twice the Mayflower's average weekly audience.

"This particular visit seems to have attracted a lot of interest, because of the presence of Neil and Christine Hamilton I suspect," he said. "There's no question that people love to dress up for a night out and it's all in the spirit of Mardi Gras, where everybody puts on a costume, adopts a different persona and is able to let their hair down and have a bit of fun."

He added: "We do notice some people we know dressing up for it - bankers and solicitors and so on. It's a unique show."

Stephen rather taken by his fishnets . . .

Monday night was our first time. My husband Stephen and I were both virgins.

It had taken weeks of preparation as we both wanted to make it special. And boy, was it worth it.

Clad in a dress that only barely concealed my underwear, fishnet stockings and a leather choker, with hubby wearing a corset, high heels and fishnet pink gloves, we were ready for our first Rocky Horror Show experience.

It was a truly liberating experience. Not being a fan of fancy dress, I decided to let myself go just this once to fully appreciate the Rocky Horror experience.

Getting out of my normal bland work clothes, and wearing an outfit I would never normally leave the house in looking like the bride of Dracula, was an almost cathartic feeling. The Rocky Horror Show is something we want to go to again, and yes, we will be wearing even more outrageous costumes next time. My only concern I have is that Stephen was rather reluctant to take off his fishnets when we got home.