the vampyr- a soap opera is a modern-day adaptation of a 19th Century romantic opera by German composer Heinrich Marschner. Shot in the style of a soap opera , the full blooded production was first transmitted in 5 episodes on consecutive nights between Chrismas and New Year´s Eve. A new libretto to fit the contemporary setting has been written by Charles Hart (whose credits include ' Aspects of love' and ' The phantom of the Opera'). The reworked opera tells the story of an evil but erotic vampire released from his ice tomb after hundreds of years. Back in society his pact with the devil promises him another year on earth if he can suck the blood of three women in three days. He re-emerges in the City of London as a wheeeler dealer with a dark secret ... With acts giving way episodes and the overture translating as the theme music , key plot points become cliff hangers at the end of each instalment.