Episode 1:
Transport in London (Part 1)
Episode 2:
Transport in London (Part 2)
Celebrating 8 years of arts-based content
Bat Out Of Hell Review
★★★★★
Review by Callum Stott.
"Jim Steinman and MeatLoaf both broke the mould and were very different to anything audiences had seen before. I feel this musical perfectly captures that feeling."
The audiences are screaming, and the motorbikes are howling, at the Edinburgh Playhouse tonight! Jim Steinman and MeatLoaf’s legendary songs come to life on stage in this ultimate rock musical filled with impressive choreography, incredible scenery, and some of the best music ever written.
As jukebox musicals go, there are very few I like. Too few capture the perfect mix of appreciation and homage to the music, as well as having a fun story filled with compelling characters; I can say that Bat Out Of Hell is one of the rare exceptions. The show’s story can be at times a bit different and unlike anything else you have seen, but I think that’s really where the beauty in the piece lies. Jim Steinman and MeatLoaf both broke the mould and were very different to anything audiences had seen before. I feel this musical perfectly captures that feeling.
The story is loosely based on the J M Barrie classic, Peter Pan where Start (here played by Glenn Adamson) is forever 18 years old and is the leader of a group of people frozen in time called “The Lost”. He falls for Raven (played here by Matha Kirby), who goes against the wishes of the ruler Falco (Played by Rob Fowler), who hates “The Lost”. As shown here, the plot is very surreal but works so well alongside the brilliant music. The songs in the show are incredible, “Bat Out Of Hell” is a real highlight and a spectacular Act 1 closer. Paradise By The Dashboard Light was also a real highlight in which Falco and Sloane (played by Sharon Sexton) sing about their love for one other. This song is such a fun comic number played so well between the two performers who are actually in a relationship in real life too, making it ever more convincing!
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I must also mention, the show’s staging is full-out with bright lights, large sets (and the odd motorbike or two), and excellent choreography that fills the Edinburgh Playhouse stage brilliantly. It almost feels like the show belongs on a stage the scale of the Playhouse. The musical's finale is also a real highlight where all the audience is on their feet singing and dancing along.
Ultimately, Bat Out of Hell is a fab musical, and so worth buying a ticket. If you want a fun night out, where you can escape from reality for two and a half hours, this is the perfect show.
Bat Out Of Hell runs at the Edinburgh Playhouse until 19th February.
Book tickets here
