Bat Out of Hell at The Churchill Theatre

Bat Out of Hell is possibly one of the most random musicals I have seen. Often with jukebox musicals the story is tenuous in order to try and weave together the songs but this show takes that to a new level. Bat Out of Hell is a loose retelling of Peter Pan. It tells of Raven, the daughter of Falco, a tyrant who controls this dystopian world. Raven wants to explore the world outside of her home but due to ‘The Lost’ those who will never grow up, she is forbidden to do so. Love however blossoms between Raven and the leader of ‘The Lost,’ Strat and Raven is forced to chose between love and family.
The book by Jim Steinman has become even more random since the West End production with chunks of dialogue being cut however the primary reason most people come to the show is for the music! The show features Jim Steinman and Meatloaf’s greatest hits including ‘I Would Do Anything For Love,’ ‘It’s All Coming Back to Me Now,’ and of course ‘Bat Out of Hell.’ Whilst some of the iconic songs have been understandably altered for the stage, the music does not disappoint and the arrangements for this show blend perfectly the original rock vibe with harmonies that sit well in the musical theatre sphere.
When talking about the music I must mention the sound designer Gareth Owens as well as Sound Number 1 and 2 on the tour, Robert Brennan and Nick Jarvest who ensured that there was a brilliant balance between the vocals and the band, and making sure it was loud enough to get the rock vibe across but not losing the storytelling element. There was however the odd choice to use handheld mics throughout the show which meant that the choreography and some of the acting was hindered due to this at distracted further from what tenuous storyline there was.
The music’s success also relies on a cast being able to sing it and where this cast are concerned there is no doubt that they all rise to the challenge. Fans of the show will be familiar with some of the names with Glenn Adamson as Strat, Sharon Sexton as Sloane as Rob Fowler as Falco all reprising their roles from the West End. It is easy to see why all 3 of them have returned to the show, with vocals that belt out the numbers effortlessly. Sexton and Fowler sizzle together as Raven’s parents and Adamson as Strat has real star quality.
The cast however has seen some new additions and they are a brilliant addition to the show. Kate Tonkinson takes on the role of Raven, developing from petulant child to pure rock chic in Act 2. Her vocals had me shaking my head in disbelief (in a good way) by the end of the show. Georgia Bradshaw also joins the cast as Zahara and she makes a huge impression in this role, developing a likeable and recognisable character as well as adding to the slew of singers on stage that can do these songs real justice.
The shows staging had some interesting choices, often moments were filmed live on stage and beamed up onto large screens that sat nestled in the set. This often proved distracting and it was difficult to see what this added to the storyline. The set is vast but there was many scenes played in Raven’s bedroom, a very small space tucked into a corner of the stage which felt like an odd choice. The rest of the set however works well with a motorbike, confetti and other clever video effects on the screens meaning that often the show was a feast for the eyes as much as the ears.
Overall Bat Out Of Hell is a show to see if you don’t mind that the storyline is lacking but accept that enjoyment can be gained from brilliant music performed by a cast not scared to go hell for leather with their rocky vocals.
Bat Out of Hell continues its tour. You can find out more and buy tickets on their website here.
If you like this review you might also like my review of & Juliet, Titanique and Starlight Express.