What a wildly entertaining and electrifying performance it was on the opening night of Bat Out of Hell – The Musical at The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent last night!
As we arrived, we were greeted with around 50 Harleys riding in and parking outside the theatre to celebrate both Bat Out of Hell‘s opening night as well as Stoke Chapter of the Harley Owners Group‘s 10th Anniversary. It was an amazing sight sight to behold and the crowd was already buzzing with excitement!
Bat Out of Hell was the debut album by American rock singer Meat Loaf and composer Jim Steinman in 1977 and this went on to become one of the best-selling albums in history, selling over 50 million copies worldwide. This album was followed by two more sequels, a book and a musical.
The original musical, which was written by Steinman is based on Peter Pan and the story set in the future, about a group called ‘The Lost’ who never grow old and are forever 18 due to a chemical war which mutated them. The group is lead by Strat (played by Glenn Adamson) and he falls in love with Raven (played by Martha Kirby). But with Strat living a feral life and Raven living a sheltered life, will their forbidden love ever flourish?
Adamson was everything you could ask for.. rebellious, eccentric and so talented and brought his character to life while Kirby was gentle and her voice so uplifting giving Raven’s character a fresh breath of air.
I totally enjoyed the sexual chemistry between Falco, Raven’s dad who also happens to be the dictator of the dystopian wasteland Obsidian (played by Fob Fowler) and Raven’s mum, Slone (played by award winning West End leading lady, Sharon Sexton). There were so many funny moments and what a dynamic voice both of them have.
My favourite songs of the night was Sexton and Flowler’s Paradise by the Dashboard Light as well as Joelle Moses (who plays Zahara) and James Chisholm (who plays Jagwire)’s Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad which was so powerful and moving. There were many other fantastic numbers being sung including Heaven Can Wait, Making Love Out of Nothing At All, Dead Ringer for Love, All Revved Up with No Place to Go, Bat Out of Hell and many more. Killian Thomas Lefevre‘s portrayal of Tink was also commendable and believable as the other casts.
Huge praise to the stunning choreography by Xena Gusthart and beautiful set and costume designer Meentje Nielsen who both made the whole show magical and also not to mention the amazing and talented Band.
We were kept at the edge of our seats, feet tapping, head moving and some even singing to both Steinman and Meatloaf’s greatest hits as we watched the show. Each and every cast members were so unique and their singing talent just shone through. The stage was realistically set up showcasing the two worlds, the Deep-end (where ‘The Lost’ lived) and the other Raven’s bedroom in ‘Falco Towers’ which is connected through a window where she and the other cast members can enter and leave. What made this theatre show even more unique was the projection of the live video feeds on the screen hence the audience having the option to see two live scenes happening at the same time.
Bat Out of Hell dedicates this tour to the memory of Jim Steinman, who sadly passed away on April 19, 2021 and Meat Loaf who passed away on 20 January 2022. Two great figures brought back to life through their music and dreams.
The musical is theatrical, over-the-top and the story telling was captivating. I can assure you that there is never a dull moment and it ended on a high with everyone on their feet and phones in the air, recording the last song (as requested by Fowler). I can easily say this has been one of my favourite musicals so far.
Cast Details
Glenn Adamson (American Idiot) returns as Strat with Martha Kirby (Grease, Rags the Musical) as Raven and original leading cast members Rob Fowler (Mamma Mia!, Bat Out of Hell) as Falco and Sharon Sexton (Mamma Mia!, Bat Out of Hell) as Sloane, plus Killian Thomas Lefevre as Tink, Joelle Moses as Zahara, James Chisholm as Jagwire, Kellie Gnauck as Valkyrie, and Danny Whelan as Ledoux. Also in the cast are Laura Johnson as Kwaiden, Jamie Jukes as Markevitch, Rebecca Lafferty as Scherzzo, James Lowrie as Denym, Rory Maguire as Astroganger, Amy Matthews as Vilmos, Stacey Monahan as Moderna, Samuel Pope as Hoffman & Alternate Strat, Luke Street as Hollander, Leonardo Vieira as O’Dessasuite, Beth Woodcock as Spinotti and Jayme-Lee Zanoncelli as Goddesilla.
The UK & Ireland Tour of Bat Out of Hell – The Musical has book, music and lyrics by Jim Steinman, direction by Jay Scheib, choreography adapted by Xena Gusthart, with musical supervision and additional arrangements by Michael Reed, set and costume design by Jon Bausor, original costume designs by Meentje Nielsen, original wig designs by Linda McKnight, video design by Finn Ross, lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, sound design by Gareth Owen, orchestration by Steve Sidwell, original casting by David Grindrod CDG and UK Tour casting by Anne Vosser.
How much do the tickets cost?
Tickets are priced from £13 to £74.50.
How do I book tickets to watch Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7615 or by visiting ATG’s website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
Estimated running time is 2 hours and 40 minutes. The show will run until Saturday, 30 April 2022. The shows will be at 7.30pm with two matinee shows on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Do visit their website for more details.
Where is The Regent Theatre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent?
Piccadilly
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1AP
Tel: 08448717649
About Regent Theatre
The Regent Theatre is a theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre in 1999, and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.
Tips / Information
- Masks and Covid passes are not mandatory in the Theatre at the moment
- Ample public car park spaces are available near to the Regent Theatre. The nearby John Street car park has a single charge of £1.50 from 6pm to it closes at 11.30pm
- Accessibility: On arrival at the theatre there are nine steps leading from the front doors to the foyer. There is a small lift suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
- There is lift access to all levels from the foyer (with an audible announcer)
- There is an infra-red sound enhancement system in the auditorium
- Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre, and water is provided for them on request
- Accessible toilets are available
You may also want to read this:
Review: We Will Rock You The Musical at The Regent Theatre
Review: The Addams Family Musical Comedy at The Regent Theatre
Review: Footloose the Musical at The Regent Theatre
Review : Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show at The Regent Theatre
Photo Credit: Regent Theatre/Chris Davis Studio
12 comments
I’ve never heard of Bat out of hell before now, this seems an amazing musical. I love musicals and can’t wait to watch this one, can’t wait.
It is based on Meat Loaf and Steinman’s greatest hits, you could google them to hear some songs of the album
Looks like a very colorful and interesting show…definitely not one we’re used to seeing on live stage but it looks like a lot of fun. The costume design is fantastic here too!
It was indeed, the singing, acting, costume, backdrop was just out of this world
I’m seeing this next month I believe when it comes to Milton Keynes and I am very exicted. So good to hear positive things about the show x
How amazing, I hope you have a fabulous time as you will enjoy it
This looks and sounds really amazing. All the motor bikes outside must have given it a fantastic atmosphere
The bike sounds was amazing and made it feel so atmospheric
The tickets are reasonably priced. I’d love to go see a show.
Yes a range of tickets so you get to choose which you prefer
Looks and sounds like a great show and I love it! I would love to see this for myself!
Hope you do, they are still touring