Review: Bat out of Hell the Musical

I’ll be upfront here. Not only am I a big fan of Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman’s music, I’ve also had my own made-up stage musical of their work in my head since I was twelve - complete with costumes and choreography. So to tell you that I came to this show a blank, unbiased slate would be to lie to you… and that’s the truth. (I know, too easy - only a couple more of those to come, I promise).

That said, when I took my seat to watch Bat out of Hell the Musical, I willingly put all pre-conceptions aside, ready for whatever this production was going to bring. A single spotlight on the stage, a voice tearing through the auditorium “I remember everything!!!!”, and we’re off to a good start… 

Photos of the 2021 Cast, by Chris Davis

Set in the post-apocalyptic city, ‘Obsidian’, the musical tells the story of a budding-but-troubled romance between Strat (Glenn Adamson), and Raven (Martha Kirby). Strat is the leader of The Lost, a group of teenagers destined never to age and living their eternal youth in a network of tunnels under the city. Raven is the classic ‘girl of good upbringing’, yearning to break free from the clutches of her somewhat tyrannical father Falco (Rob Fowler).

Both Adamson and Kirby give dazzling performances. They appear every bit the love-struck teenagers, whilst simultaneously delivering Meat and Jim’s greatest hits with a power and vocal maturity that demands respect from every generation watching. Supporting performances from Fowler and Sharon Sexton, as Raven’s vivacious but fed-up mother, are equally brilliant. Somehow managing to balance comic relief and evil dictatorship with the relatable struggles of marriage and parenting; I found myself 100% rooting for them by the end. Their rendition of ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light’ was everything I hoped it would be - and a bit more.

The remainder of The Lost are portrayed by chorus members, who bring immense talent and energy to the stage throughout. The impression is of a large-scale ensemble production, but achieved with a relatively small cast.

Photos of the 2021 Cast, by Chris Davis

Whilst I can’t say I followed every detail of the story, the classic ‘forbidden love and youthful rebellion’ concepts are familiar enough to keep the audience on track. Anyone who knows the story of Peter Pan will also spot parallels throughout - from the ever-young Strat and his ‘lost’ boys, to the jealous best friend Tink (Killian Thomas Lefevre). Like other musicals born of chart toppers, there is an inevitable feeling that the writing exists to take us from one track to the next, but Bat out of Hell the Musical does this gracefully, without the songs feeling shoehorned in. The story may not be anything new but it works. And let’s be honest, this audience is largely here for the music.

What is new (at least to me) is the use of on-stage video recording, which is relayed live, to a big screen, mounted within the set. This allows the audience a close-up view of specific areas, alongside the action happening centre stage. Whilst this was a pleasing reminder of the format often used at music concerts, I didn’t feel it crossed over well into this type of theatre. I found the jerky, hand-held motion of the camera distracting and my focus was often split, making it difficult to fully appreciate either of the two perspectives being offered. 

The set is otherwise beautifully designed and executed. Bleak and apocalyptic, whilst still creating a sense of energy and excitement befitting the theme. Lighting, projections, effects and sound are all used well, to layer up the atmosphere and compliment the storytelling. The only thing which fell slightly short of expectation for me, was the motorbike. The Harley-Davidson-style prop bike very much looks the part. It moves on and off the stage at the right moments, with accompanying smoke effects. But still, it doesn’t quite achieve the level of drama required for such a visual icon of Meat Loaf and Steinman’s work. Perhaps some hydraulic motion to make it tilt from side to side or rear up at the front, some uplighting… something a bit more. Health and safety teams everywhere will probably rejoice - but they’ve got a hell of a lot to learn about rock and roll.

Photos of the 2021 Cast, by Chris Davis

Overall, Bat out of Hell the Musical absolutely does Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman justice. The music is of course the highlight but the show also achieves the right balance of drama, laughs and fun to feel like a piece of theatre in its own right. Those who come to it with expectations will be impressed and those who don’t are in for an eye-opening treat. 

I was suitably wowed and thoroughly entertained. The motorbike doesn’t fly over the audiences’ heads, like I’d imagined when I was twelve, but as a great man once said, two out of three ain’t bad.