Conceived, Created and Directed by Steve Steinman
This critic is old enough to remember Steve Steinman’s iconic portrayal of the late, great Meatloaf on ITV’s Stars in their Eyes way back in 1993. This catapulted him in to instant stardom as he moved on tobigger and better things. Steinman has created quite a following. The queue from the merch stand this evening was testament to his popularity and his shows are clearly still engaging a large cult fan base in what was a packed out auditorium.
Vampires Rock: Eternal Love the Musical is an ambitious mix of rock and musical theatre and, while there’s no denying the sheer brilliance of the performances – backed by an extremely capable band – it doesn’t shy away from the fact that this is essentially a theatrical rock concert and not really a musical at all. The cast truly deliver, with awesome singers bringing an impressive gothic energy to the stage. The music, a new score written by Steinman (not his usual tribute to the power ballad and classic rock genre) and his phantoms. They definitely set the mood and showcase the vocal talents of the performers.
However, as much as the songbirds shine, the script leaves much to be desired. The storyline feels tenuous and, at times, confusing, making it difficult to fully connect with the characters or the overall plot. The narrative seems to jump around, and certain parts felt a bit disjointed, as though key elements were glossed over in favour of music and spectacle. This particular show being part of a trilogy and having not seen the other offerings, one couldn’t help but wonder if your reviewer had missed something?
Whilst the show’s high-energy performances are entertaining, the script could definitely use more clarity and cohesion to bring everything together. Still, it’s a fun night out for fans of rock music. Just don’t expect a fully fleshed-out story. This aside, the concert-like vibes are electrifying and the musical numbers certainly get your foot tapping. Luke Thomson’s projection and lighting design cleverly complement the freakish and avant-garde setting.
So buckle up all you vampires and creatures of the night – this show is as camp and as bloody as a long weekend in Whitby.
Reviewed on 24th January 2025. Currently touring.
Also seen this on opening night in Retford, and could not agree more, it’s not a musical as advertised, its a concert with some very bad scripted scenes inbetween songs.
The acting is very poor from most of the cast, although its clear they can sing! although some of the lyrics are hard to make out by the ‘Bosley’ character.
Steinmans voice is good, however he certainly does not know all the lyrics to his own songs, he appeared to keep glancing off to the side, and one song he forgot 90% of his duet part. The female vocals i could not fault, although some of the solo songs are not great at all.
Staging looked okay, nothing spectacular and the acted scenes on the stage bottom looked a bit flat, with not much scenery other than screens.
one thing to note, is theres some language in this show mainly from Steinmen, the F bomb is dropped a fair few times, and some of the script is a little close to the bone.
Saving grace of this show is the band! amazing players, even if they did look a little bored, but maybe they were in character.
Not the worst show i have seen, but its not west end quality, its a bit am dram.
I too was at opening night in Retford and respectfully I think we must have been watching different shows. There are always teething problems to any stage show on opening night that always get addressed as the tour goes on. The stage set was brilliant, I loved the screens and felt they really added something special. When Bosley and the Baron were fighting and they went on and off the screens, awesome. The band is great and I didn’t see them looking bored at all. The dancers are spectacular and the vocals are belting. Will definitely be going again if I get the chance