A Fiery Hit!
Last night I headed to the Whitley Bay Playhouse to see Steve Steinman’s Anything For Love. I’d seen the show before at the Birmingham Alexandra, back when Trixie Bell was in the cast, but this time brought some fresh faces and a few fiery surprises.
The evening began with a video projection that set the mood nicely — a teasing prelude before the real action began. When Steve made his entrance, the roar of applause that met him could have shaken the rafters.
The first half of the show wavered between very good and fantastic. It took around twenty minutes for the momentum to fully ignite, but once it did, there were several standout numbers that hit with real power. The staging was simple at first, with few props, allowing Steve to build easy rapport with the audience. By the interval, I was fully invested — and itching to see what would come next.
It turned out the cast must have spent the interval in hell itself, because when they returned, the second half was blisteringly good.
Suddenly, the stage exploded with energy: dazzling effects, clever use of props, and powerhouse performances that had the audience eating out of the palm of their hands. Steve injected far more humour this time, throwing in jokes that landed perfectly and strengthened the bond between stage and stalls. By this point, the cast were utterly in their groove — confident, connected, and clearly loving every minute.
The band deserve their own mention — they were superb, like the unholy gatekeepers of rock ‘n’ roll hell. Steve, of course, was phenomenal as always, commanding the stage with his trademark mix of swagger and sincerity. Vocalists Tanyth Roberts and Charlotte MacLachlan were both outstanding, their voices soaring through the theatre. I particularly enjoyed Tanyth’s quick wit and natural humour. John Evans, who I’d seen previously in Vampires Rock, had a smaller role this time but still delivered impressive vocals — though I know from experience he’s capable of adding even more comic bite.
If the first half hovered between four and five stars, the second half blasted straight through the gates of hell and came roaring out the other side — a fierce, fiery, and fully deserved five stars.
It’s on tour now — so catch it while you can, and prepare to be amazed.
Anything for Love – The Meat Loaf Story – Steve Steinman Productions
