One night concerts seem to be only growing in popularity in recent years in London's West End, but rarely are they as well executed as Total Eclipse: Symphonic Steinman. The evening was everything you could want from a one-off concert, and more. It was polished to absolute perfection and while some dialogue in-between songs may have helped the evening to flow slightly better, the performances from every single person involved could not be faulted.

As the name suggests, the evening was a celebration of the late great Jim Steinman and was a celebration of just a fraction of some of his most notable works. The ideal blend of rock and symphonic, Steinman's catalogue is timeless and last night's performances proved just that.

From the moment you entered the iconic London Coliseum, the stage is adorned with an exceptionally sized orchestra for a one-night concert, along with a band and backing vocalists. Already, the tone for the evening is set; it's going to be grand and theatrical...and that it was. Jack Bennett (Musical Director/Conductor) led the evening with an undeniable ease and was particularly hypnotising to watch during the opening of acts one and two for the overture and entr'acte. 

With 20 songs being played throughout the concert throughout it's 2 hours 45 minutes run time, it was always going to be a struggle to cram in every iconic number, but they managed a damned good job! Glenn Adamson, our irreplicable Strat, opened the show clad in black pleather with "Bad For Good" and once again reminded me why he's one of my favourite voices in musical theatre. He oozes charisma, and alongside Zoe Birkett, had the audience in the palm of their hands, commandeering the Coliseum entirely whenever they were onstage. Other notable highlights from act one included Zoe Birkett's "Dead Ringer For Love", Danielle Steers' "Catwoman's Song" and "Good Girls Go to Heaven" from Natalie May Paris and Tyce Green. However, Red's rendition of "Holding Out For a Hero" all but blew off the roof of the Coliseum with her jaw-dropping vocals, which was a staggeringly good finish to act one.

However, most of the fan favourites were saved for the second half of the evening, with songs like "Bat Out of Hell", "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad" and "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" taking centre stage. It was "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)" which proved to be the crowd pleaser of the evening, but that's hardly surprising with Zoe Birkett and Glenn Adamson at the helm. They had audience members on their feet and their sheer magnetism onstage is hypnotising, and an absolute delight to revel in. Karine Hannah's closing performance of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" proves the standout of the evening with vocals that simply have to be seen to be believed; a true powerhouse of talent.

The Orchestra of ENO, along with the band and backing vocalists were the heart of the concert, and were given ample opportunity to showcase their individual skills with a variety of solos and interludes, proving that lyrics truly are nothing without their accompanying music. 

The lighting design from Jack Weir was nothing short of exceptional; I'd go as far as saying Weir is the unsung hero of this production providing lighting choices that I would simply never have dreamed of. Each choice only heightened the experience of each song and was truly transformative with pulsing lights, rhythmic timing and the perfect use of intensity. 

One thing's for certain, I hope this isn't the last we see of Total Eclipse. If there was ever a concert that deserves a longer run, it's this one and from the almost sold-out London Coliseum that were on their feet during the curtain call, I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling that way. A true celebration of a late great, with some of the most talented performers you'll ever have the honour of witnessing. A triumph in every sense of the word.

While Total Eclipse only played for one-night-only on 3rd May, you can find full details here.