HE wrote and starred in The Rocky Horror Show, he presented a television show that spawned a pub video game and he's coming back to Cheltenham.

Yes, it's Richard O'Brien, who will be appearing at the Everyman Theatre on June 26 to present A Night of Stars, featuring six finalists from ITV's top talent show, Stars In Their Eyes.

The event is all for charity to raise funds for the Spring Centre, the Gloucestershire charity for disabled children.

Richard, who actually comes from Cheltenham, said: "It is an oasis for children with special needs and their families.

"I have been a patron of the charity for some years now."

He signed up as a patron through his local connections.

"I was at a fancy dress party at my cousin's house at Woodmancote, near Cheltenham, and the fund-raiser was also there and he asked me if I would come on board."

Come next Tuesday he will be on stage with girl group LA and comedian Damon Scott and the six lookalikes - Morten Harkett, Jon Bon Jovi, Andrea Corr, David Bowie, Robert Palmer and Andy Williams.

Richard said: "The phrase "Tonight Matthew, I'm going to be..." has moved into common parlance.

"I should think it is going to be a very nice evening.

"To get live entertainment for a reasonable cost these days is good news."

He was born in Leckhampton in 1942 and lived in Cheltenham until he was 10. "I remember sleeping in a Morrison shelter and I remember the street party at the end of the war.

"My earliest memories of the theatre are of the Everyman and going to the pantomime."

He clearly recalls being singled out of the audience and given a 'prize' at one show.

Years later on the 25th anniversary tour of Rocky Horror he came back to the Everyman and picked out the person sat in the self-same seat (or one very close) to present them with a Billy doll from the show.

His family emigrated to New Zealand when Richard was 10 but he came back to Britain in 1964 determined to make it as an actor.

He secured minor parts in several films and musicals, including Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar, but it wasn't until The Rocky Horror Show that he really hit the big time.

The idea came from a childhood fascination with the science fiction films of the 1950s and 1960s, and an interest in horror films and comics.

It became a huge cult success, one that is still garnering fresh devotees today.

After Rocky Horror he played roles in several films and stage productions but exploded again into the British consciousness as presenter of the hit television show, The Crystal Maze, which ran from 1990 to 1994.

"I loved it and they were such a nice company to work for," he said.

Anxious not to be trapped in the world of television presenting he stepped out of the madcap show and has spent his time since writing and playing a variety of roles on stage and screen.

He has also released an album of his songs.

Despite all his work, Rocky Horror is still his most celebrated success, so does he ever get fed up of talking about it? Not a chance - "It is one of the most successful musicals that the world has seen," he explained.

A Night of Stars is begins at 7.45pm. Tickets cost from £8 to £12 and are available from the box office on 01242 572573.