Peacock Theatre, London
May 22, 2025
It launched Meat Loaf, staying in the UK charts for eight years, becoming the biggest selling debut album of all time. And Bat Out of Hell: The Musical is an absolutely fabulous evening’s entertainment. But be warned. If you already know you are not a fan of one of the world’s largest selling albums of all time, probably better to stay at home.
Jim Steinman originally wrote Bat out of Hell as a musical, but could not find anyone to produce it in the very different world of the seventies. When it finally found its backer, it only had an initial short West End run.
Photo Chris Davis Studio
Even the process of getting it released as an album was tortuous, taking four years. Even then, it was another six months, and only after the Old Grey Whistle Test aired a film clip of the live band performing the nine-minute title track did it take off. Returning to its roots, it’s now back for a major international tour.
Everything about the production is of the highest standard. The setting, lighting, and costumes are a perfect match for the music. The live band do more than justice to Steinman’s compositions, they give them fresh life and vigour with feet stamping indulgence. There are a few songs, notably the ballads, which are not on the album, and which justly earn their place in the musical.
in Bat Out of Hell
Photo Chris Davis Studio
Glenn Adamson is outstanding as Strat, and is matched closely by Katie Tonkinson playing Raven. The 23-strong cast are all exceptional dancers and singers. The dance sequences, cleverly interwoven through the show’s two hours, are expertly executed. The choreography by Xena Gusthart is exciting, inventive, and fully realises the music’s emotions.
Bat Out of Hell’s only let-down is the acting in the first half, which is weak. So much so that it was the topic of several overheard conversations during the interval. I wondered if it was trying for pastiche. Most of it is unnecessary anyway. It would have been far better to let the music tell the story, as it does to great effect in act two.
That said, you go out on an incredible high. An evening that will be long remembered, and revisited every time the album is played.
Bat Out of Hell: The Musical is at the Peacock Theatre, London to June 7, 2025.
It then heads off on an extensive UK tour. Click here for more details, dates and venues.