Vampire's Ball Ultimate Halloween Party

Brad Tassell and Steve Goodie describe themselves as a pair who have been ‘all-around nutty goofballs for more than 30 years’; and it shows. Vampire’s Ball, Ultimate Halloween Party! has jolly music, witty lyrics and a stunning array of backdrops that provide a tour of the haunted house, complete with animated apparitions, ghosts and ghouls that fly in and out giving it great pace.

Jolly music, witty lyrics and a stunning array of backdrops.

The version of the show as presented on theSpaceUK's Virtual Fringe programme is a taster for the now deferred full-length work they were hoping to put on as their Edinburgh debut this year. To paraphrase a saying from another festival, I suspect this duo takes the view that Halloween is for life, not just the end of October. It takes only this snippet of around fifteen minutes to make the maxim convincing. Setting the season aside, it’s certainy true of comedy and music, with which this show abounds, in a way that mixes the fear of Frankenstein with the life, lunacy and routines of The Rocky Horror Show.

The success of this show should come as no surprise. As author of the critically acclaimed, required reading for stand-up comedians, Hell Gig: Enlightening the Road Comic, Tassell has a career devoted to perfecting the art of comedy and performance. Along the way he created the Virtual Comedy Show, a weekly event on YouTube that probably explains why he seems so at home with this format. He also has six other books in his portfolio along with film and TV work. As for his Master's degree in Behavioral Sciences, he uses it in a range of activities that address issues associated with bullying. Yes, he has a serious side, but he makes that fun too.

The partnership with Goodie contributes perfectly to the madness of this show. He plays numerous instruments, as this production demonstrates, and has a comic craft honed through a string of stage credits as well as over a decade as host at Nashville's Bluebird Cafe along with TV appearances. His repertoire is evidenced by a significant presence on YouTube that includes parody numbers and cutting comedy observations along with his passion for writing and recording songs about Harry Potter.

Is it suitable for children? Of course it is; they wrote it for Tassell’s young daughter. Parents, however, will delight to hold the hands of their offspring lest they might at any moment imagine that this is real. If you don’t have children, cling to any irresponsible person or crazy friend, enjoy the party and put the show on your list for Edinburgh 2021.

Reviews by Richard Beck

Ambassadors Theatre. / The Ambassadors Theatre

Rose

★★★★★
Cambridge Theatre

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical

★★★★★
Greenwich Theatre

The Dumb Waiter & A Slight Ache

★★★
Park Theatre / Park Theatre London

Leaves of Glass

★★★★★
Hampstead Theatre

Biscuits for Breakfast

★★★★
Wilton's Music Hall

Under Milk Wood

★★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

Performances

Location

The Blurb

This Musical Extravaganza is the spookiest, craziest, family-friendliest Halloween Show EVER! The Halloween show that every child howls for and every parent is dying to sink their teeth into. Vampire’s Ball, Ultimate Halloween Party! An extra silly & joyous, sing-and-dance-along sensational trip.

Most Popular See More

Back to the Future - The Musical

From £24.00

More Info

Find Tickets

The Mousetrap

From £30.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

From £12.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Pretty Woman: The Musical

From £24.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Frozen the Musical

From £36.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Grease the Musical

From £21.00

More Info

Find Tickets