Bat out of Hell – Peacock Theatre and Touring

Katie Tonkinson and Glenn Adamson in Bat Out of Hell at the Peacock Theatre, London and Touring. Picture: Chris Davis Studio

Bat out of Hell continues at the Peacock Theatre, London until 7 June 2025. The tour continues until 20 September 2025.

Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

You really cannot go far wrong when a musical is based around such a classic album as Jim Steinman and the imperious Meat Loaf’s Bat out of Hell. The word ‘classic’ is, of course, bandied around a little too loosely, but in this case every track from the original LP (long player for those post vinyl generation) is an absolute gem and the perfect vehicle for a raucous rock ‘n’ roll production. As a musical posthumous homage to both Steinman and Meat Loaf (born Marvin Lee Aday), it’s a wonderfully entertaining stage ‘tribute’ to the original record launched way back in 1977, apparently developed from Neverland, a futuristic rock version of Peter Pan that Steinman wrote for a workshop in 1974.

Much hinges here on the role of Strat, the fearless leader of the Lost tribe and head of an underground gang of misfits and outcasts roaming the streets of a post-apocalyptic Manhattan, New York. In that pivotal role, Glenn Adamson is simply outstanding – manic eyed, his devilish demeanour, pseudo punk rebelliousness and impressive arrogance just perfect throughout. As Strat, he definitely has the strut. Little wonder then that he has his fair share of female admirers, not least Raven, played by the equally impressive Katie Tonkinson. When they team up vocally, the resulting duets are both gritty and glorious.

A show that is full throttle from beginning to end with the volume turned up to 10 for most of the time, that’s an aspect that might not be to everyone’s liking, but it’s just a case of hang on, sit back and enjoy the ride. For all the emotions, heart-searching and angst played out of stage, thankfully this production never betrays its roots – good, honest, brash rock music and very loud and proud.

With book, music and lyrics by Steinman, direction by Jay Scheib, with musical supervision and additional arrangements by Michael Reed, the set and costume design is by Jon Bausor and the lighting design is by Patrick Woodroffe.

The classic tracks such as ‘I’d Do Anything for Love’, ‘You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth’ and the glorious ‘Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad’ are all performed impeccably and are tunes that all generations can enjoy. The beauty of this latest incarnation of the award-winning musical is that it can boast not just one, but three superb pairings – Adamson and Tonkinson as Strat and Raven, Rob Fowler as overlord Falco with Sharon Sexton as Sloane, and Georgia Bradshaw as Zahara and Ryan Carter as Jagwire – a hat-trick of oustanding vocal talent which other productions would kill for. One song not on the original album but added into the score is the wonderful ‘What Part of My Body Hurts the Most’, performed with electric vocal chemistry by Fowler and Sexton.

The underworld set is marvellously grim, moody and atmospheric, the choreography pin-sharp and the magnetic enthusiasm of the young cast key to maintaining the show’s momentum. The live video element (design by Finn Ross) is also a nice touch without being overplayed. Add into the onstage mayhem delightful characters such as Tink, played faultlessly with impish impudence by Carla Bertran and what you have is a rollercoaster, rocking good night out – brilliant, classic tunes, an array of impressive vocal talent and a hugely energetic cast. Three out of three ain’t bad, it’s very good indeed.

Derek Smith