Vampirette flew into Manchester this week for its World premiere at the Opera House where it runs until 19th May.
The all-new production follows Vampi, played by Over the Rainbow finalist Lauren Samuels, a young vampire determined to be a normal girl! Cue an introduction to her Vampire family who are more than happy with their lot, until local tabloid hack Stanley Pea (Norman Bowman) starts sticking his nose in to try and discover their ‘secret’.
If you like the Rocky Horror Show and Little Shop of Horrors then this musical will be right up your street as it has black comedy and a kitsch gothic vibe in abundance. Like all new shows though it needs a fair few tweaks, re writes and song changes to make it become a cult classic.
Samuels delivers some great vocals in the lead role of Vampi, despite the fact the musical numbers don’t give her a lot to get her teeth into. Her duet ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’ with the lovestruck Andrew Helsing (Stuart Matthew Price) is possibly the highlight of the show as they are vocally matched and there’s some truly ‘batty’ special effects going on alongside it!
I was a little confused by director Ed Curtis’ decision to have the main characters deliver most of their lines out to the audience rather than each other which, for jukebox musical such as this, seemed a little too stylized.
Having said this the show still proved to be an audience pleaser and, if you can take it for what it is, a vampire spoof and a fun night out then you can forgive the dodgy Transylvanian accents and the weak plot.
Celeb watch: Comedian and ‘We Will Rock You’ writer Ben Elton spotted in the audience – rising to his feet to bop along to the shows ‘Megamix’ finale in support of his former WWRY ‘Scaramouche’ Lauren Samuels.
VAMPIRETTE
Friday 4 to Saturday 19 May
Opera House, Quay St, Manchester
Box Office 0844 871 3018
Website www.atgtickets/manchester
*FANGTASTIC SPECIAL OFFER*
Anyone calling the box office and quoting ‘Vampi’ will be eligible for reduced price tickets starting at just a fiver!!!
