IF it’s Halloween in Ipswich then it can only mean one thing – Vampires Rock at the Regent and a night of fantastic entertainment for classic rock fans.

Steve Steinman is a genius. Every year, he brings his show back to town with a few tweaks and twists and just about fills the Regent with more than 1,000 people who leave the theatre with a smile on their face.

But perhaps his real magic is bringing the numbers that you listen to on the latest rock compilation on a long car trip fizzing to life.

The sight of a full rock band complete with go-go dancers and a fire-eater shows just how entertaining the numbers on the latest Dad Rocks album can be.

Every year the show is slightly different.

There was no Toyah this year, but there was more of a role for the fantastic Emily Clark who combines a great rock-chick voice with the stunning moves of a great dancer.

And the numbers were changed.As well as the normal diet of AC/DC, Meatloaf, and Guns n’ Roses tracks we were also treated to Ballroom Blitz, Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey and an encore of Prince’s Purple Rain – all were new to the show.

Steve Steinman might describe Vampires Rock as a musical, but it’s really a great concert with some humour and pyrotechnics thrown in. And once again some of the audience joined in the spirit by dusting off their costumes that were last seen at the Rocky Horror show last month.

What makes the show so special, though, is that it is is a production that people can and do bring the whole family along to.

I should know – when I put on the latest compilation on the car stereo my 16-year-old objects. But if I tried to go to Vampires Rock on my own he’d be very angry!

So a great night’s entertainment was served up once again – here’s to Halloween next year!