Vampire Rocks- Ghost Train rolled into Mansfield to entertain a sold out crowd at Mansfield’s Palace Theatre. Vampire Rocks- Ghost Train is the brainchild of Steve Steinman, who made his name as a Meat Loaf impersonator many decades ago, (Some of you might be old enough to remember seeing him appear on Stars in Their Eyes). Vampires Rock is one of his productions that started way back in 2003, since then it has gone through various reincarnations over the years, with each year improving on the previous year. This years tour was no exception.
Within that time, there have been various cast members and on odd occasions he has secured the services of very well known musicians (Torah Wilcox, Eddie Ojeda, Sam Bailey). Although these “celebrities” got tongues wagging and raised the publicity of the show, and are undoubtedly very talented, Steve and his cast are more than able to entertain the crowd to the same standard as those musical “celebrities”.
The storyline is as old as time itself, Vampire wants new bride to feed on.
Vampire marries girl. Vampire bites girl. Girl becomes a Vampire. So no prizes for an original story line, however Steve and his cast of dancers and musicians inject a tongue in cheek approach to the classic story which is underpinned by some of the greatest rock anthems ever recorded.
The script is written in a light hearted way to create an evening of laughter, at times even having friendly banter with the audience. The script had been altered recently to include gags about Prince Andrew, The masked Singer and Phillip Schofield. You can’t be more current than that.
The plot has a dark and mysterious twist with a masked character called Van Halensing, who is on a mission to kill Baron Von Rockula. Even though most of the fans of this show like Steve’s vocals, the audience have lots of opportunity to listen to the other vocalists such as Claire Micallef who plays the naïve Roxy Honeybox and is more than capable at belting out classic rock anthems to an impressive standard, songs such as “Poison” and “I Need A Hero” and “Total Eclipse of The Heart”all hit their mark.
Alongside Claire, the Queen Vampire played by Emily Clark was also given her fair share of vocal duties which she nailed with absolute laser precision. Baron Von Rockulas servant Bosley (played by John Evans) also has moments throughout the show to perform. He never fails to deliver enough energy to get the audience stood up swaying and rocking along to Van Halens “Jump” and Europe’s “Final Countdown”.
The dialogue at times is self depreciating and appears to be not taken too seriously, the music is a stark contrast, Steve and his musicians try to replicate classic rock tracks with the utmost professionalism, anthems such as “Back in black”, “Devil Gate Drive”, “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, “Tainted Love”, “Pour Some Sugar on me” and “The Monster is Loose” all make for a wonderful musical backdrop as the storyline progresses through Baron Von Rockulas journey through dating, marrying, dying, and reawakening from the dead to seek revenge on Van Halensing.
Whilst the musicians Pete Jean (drummer), Zoe Parr (Bassist), Henry Bird (Guitarist) and Jamie Hiscox (Guitarist) all managed to deliver the musical assault on the ears, the dancers Victoria Hawley and Trixabelle Bold provided the visual stimulation to bring an incredibly sexy edge to the music. The dancers attire mainly consisted of leather, leather and more leather, as well as the occasional corset.
The show finished with Meat Loafs “Bat Out of Hell”. The crowd lapped up every moment of this legendary rock anthem. Arms swaying from side to side whilst the sold out crowd sang along. The audience wanted more, and sure enough The cast of Vampires Rock- Ghost Train were more than happy to give the fans what they wanted by performing “Crazy Crazy Nights” by Kiss.
This is a great uplifting witty show with incredible rock anthems. will this stage show ever win an Olivier award? Possibly not. However it’s intention is to entertain and it always manages to do that after nearly two decades of touring. Great music, great entertainment, and great value for money, what else could you ask for?
Tickets are already on sale for Steve Steinmans other productions “Anything For Love” and “Love Hurts”.
Review by Luke Seagrave.
Photographs by Luke Seagrave.