Bat Out of Hell: The Musical – New Victoria Theatre, Woking and Touring

Killian Thomas Leferve and James Chisholm in Bat out of Hell: The Musical at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking and Touring. Picture: Chris Davis Studio

Bat out of Hell: The Musical continues at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking until 5 November 2022, then on international tour until 1 April 2023.

Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Jim Steinman’s Bat out of Hell: The Musical, based on Meat Loaf’s eponymous trilogy of albums, has embarked on its first international tour, directed by Jay Scheib. It is particularly poignant since it follows in the wake of the recent deaths of both Steinman and Meat Loaf, to whom the tour is dedicated.

The jukebox musical presents an original story of ‘The Lost’, the underground gang living on the streets of dystopian Obsidian (modelled on Manhattan) and destined to be teenagers forever, whose leader, Strat, falls in love with the young Raven, the daughter of Falco, Obsidian’s dictatorial ruler.

This award-winning production certainly pulls out all the stops. Jon Bausor’s impressive set combines Falco’s tower with the subterranean tunnels that ‘The Lost’ call home, and incorporates a giant screen offering additional perspectives on the onstage action. Haze, fire, confetti, strobe lighting and even motorbikes contribute to an astonishing theatrical experience. In a typical moment of technical wizardry, one scene sees a table spontaneously transform into a car.

The powerhouse vocals are similarly breathtaking, with the cast on consistently excellent form, belting out anthemic song after anthemic song. Samuel Pope as gang leader Strat clearly relishes his rock ‘n’ roll solos, while Martha Kirby plays effectively opposite him as his innocent romantic interest Raven.

Killian Thomas Lefevre supplies an admirable performance as the underdeveloped Tink, frozen at a younger age than his counterparts in ‘The Lost’. Other great turns from the supporting cast include gang members Joelle Moses as the assertive Zahara, James Chisholm as Jagwire, Kellie Gnauck as Valkyrie and Danny Whelan as Ledoux.

The evening’s standout performance is delivered by Sharon Sexton as Sloane, the regretful wife of Jamie Jukes’ tyrannical Falco. Their make-out scene in Act I, exploring the origins of their fractious relationship to the tune of ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light’, is a highlight of the show, culminating in a humorous incident with the pit band.

Musical director Iestyn Griffiths’ band offer phenomenal playing, particularly on keyboard and guitar. My only wish for the show is that Xena Gusthart’s fine choreography is not so frequently relegated to the background.

Jim Steinman’s Bat out of Hell: The Musical features hit rock songs including ‘I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)’, ‘Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad’ and ‘It’s All Coming Back to Me Now’. With the power ballads flying thick and fast, Meat Loaf fans will be in their element, but so extraordinary and spectacular is this production that it is guaranteed to be enjoyed by all.

Christopher Wiley