Bat Out Of Hell - Theatre Royal Plymouth 12 May, runs until 17 May 2025, 4☆☆☆☆. Review: Indigo Cleverley.

Photo Credit: Chris Davis Studio.

Bat Out Of Hell - Theatre Royal Plymouth 12 May, runs until 17 May 2025,

4☆☆☆☆. Review: Indigo Cleverley.

“…magnificent vocal performances and exhilarating energy.”

Bat out of Hell, the award winning musical, written by Jim Steinman and directed by Jay Scheib, is back touring the UK, a rock and roll twist on J M Barrie’s Peter Pan, blended with Meatloaf’s hit songs including Heaven Can Wait and I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That).

A dystopian blend of Peter Pan and Romeo and Juliet. Strat (Glenn Adamson) leads ‘The Lost’, a group of rebellious outsiders who oppose the city’s tyrannical leader, Falco (Rob Fowler). However, when Falco’s daughter Raven (Katie Tonkinson) falls for Strat, much against her father’s approval, a journey of conflict, forbidden love and freedom begins.

A combination of a musical and a concert, the show utilises the songs’ fierce and vigorous musicality to accommodate the plot progression and characters’ narratives; most of the story is explored through song rather than dialogue. It feels like there should be an abstract, deeper meaning to the story, which the performers are aware of, but I struggle to see this visualised. The story is slightly confusing, and the dialogue is, at times, awkward and feels like an uncomfortable gap between the next musical number.

Despite a slightly disordered plot, the most important part, the music, doesn’t let us down. The band, directed by Iestyn Griffiths, is marvelous and the backbone of the production, performing nonstop throughout the whole show.

The entire cast has magnificently strong voices, with the ensemble chorus standing out particularly, and group dance numbers brilliantly fluid and full of captivating energy.

Glenn Adamson leads the cast, with a perfect rock and roll voice and faultless performance of Bat Out of Hell to end Act I; his energy and passion are tangible. Katie Tonkinson has a beautiful voice and invigorating presence; Tonkinson’s rendition of Heaven Can Wait was one of the show’s highlights for me.

Sharon Sexton and Rob Fowler shine as Raven’s parents, Sloane and Falco.  Fowler, who has enjoyed musical success in his own right, writing, recording and producing music. Sexton is a West End icon and renowned vocalist. Having originated the roles of Falco and Sloane in 2017, Fowler and Sexton bring the characters to life and have unrivalled chemistry and an electrifying stage presence, evidenced by their rendition of ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light’, which combines stunning vocal performances and comic timing.

Ryan Carter’s Jagwire and Georgia Bradshaw’s Zahara perform a powerful duet, ‘Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad’, showcasing their vocal talent through the classic ballad.

Visually, this production is great, with the entire stage space being utilised to allow space for group dances and set pieces. An interesting addition is the use of a hand-held camera, which broadcasts onto large screens at the back of the stage in a cinema-style visual asset. I think this is a unique decision which helps explore the characters more personally and clearly. Rob Casey’s lighting design is distinct and cleverly designed (although a few too many white flashes at the audience) to complement the special effects and atmosphere. Jon Bausor’s punk costumes amplify the dystopian setting and characters’ personalities - Falco’s tight, rigid suit clearly contrasts with Strat’s loose shirt and leather trousers.

With the music and vocals being the stars of the show, some might argue the show would work better as a tribute act; however, throughout Act II, I found I understood the show more and enjoyed the characters’ progressions. After all, audiences coming for Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s classic rock hits aren’t let down in the slightest. With magnificent vocal performances and exhilarating energy, Bat out of Hell is a vivid, zestful production and honourable tribute to Meatloaf.

Cast

Strat - Glenn Adamson

Raven - Katie Tonkinson

Falco - Rob Fowler

Sloane - Sharon Sexton

Zahara - Georgia Bradshaw

Jagwire - Ryan Carter

Tink - Carla Bertran

Ledoux - Luke Street

Valkyrie - Carly Burns

Denim - Leo Abad

O’Dessasuite - Peter Camilleri

Hoffman - Joshue Dever

Liebeshwoosh - Georgia Iudica-Davies

Kwaidan - Natalie Pilkington

SPinotti - Harriet Richardson-Cockerline

Scherzzo - Sophie-Rose Emery

Markevitch - Ethan Tanner

Hollander - James Wilkinson-Jones

Vilmos - Beth Woodcock

Creatives

Book/Music/Lyrics - Jim Steinman

Director - Jay Scheib

Set and Costme Designer - Jon Bausor

Video Designer - Finn Ross

Orchestrator - Steve Sidwell

Musical Director - Iestyn Griffiths

Lighting Designer - Rob Casey

Sound Designer - Matt Peploe

Resident Director and Fight Captain - Craig Watson