“Pure Rock That Sizzles “
**** 4 Stars
The late legendary rock composer Jim Steinman’s lasting legacy is his rock musical “Bat out of Hell ” for which he wrote the Book, Music and Lyrics. It enjoyed major success in London’s west end as well as Broadway alongside its first major UK tour in 2021. That tour was emotionally charged as the world lost both Steinman in 2021 and Meat Loaf in 2022 and we gave it a five star review as it was truly an epic thrill ride of a show.
Why then has a star been lost? It’s down to the fact this new tour for 2025 is reworking of the latest Australian arena tour that essentially see’s act one being nothing more than a concert of Steinman’s hits with little to no direction from the productions director Jay Scheib. The shows story is a loose retelling of Peter Pan set in post utopian New York and act 2 does get the story over but it doesn’t quite make up for act one being so bereft of story even if the songs are terrific and performed with paunch by the stellar twenty three strong cast (including swings),
The cast are as shining example of what a tight knit ensemble company can achieve with beguiling vocals aplenty. Special mention must go to Glenn Adamson who leads the company as “Strat” his faultless vocals accompanied by swirling hip moves captures the audience from the off. Kate Tonkinson shines as “Raven” with gorgeous honey soaked vocals. The same is true of Sharon Sexton who brings a deep sense of maturity to the role of “Sloane” especially in the capturing scenes with the wonderful Rob Fowler as “Falco”, however the entire cast stand out.
Director Jay Scheib makes some often confusing choices, the cast are all clearly wearing head microphones so the obsession with hand held radio mics feels lost on the audience especially the switching from hand held radio mics to an xlr cable microphone it’s more of a faff for the cast than adding anything of artistic benefit. That being said Scheib drives excellent performances from the entire cast especially in Act 2 and one thing is for sure they can really sing the rock opera infused score that’s boosted by Musical Director Iestyn Griffiths and there excellent eight strong on stage band. Matt Peploe’s sound design is right on the money and captures both the intimate moments alongside the full out rock concert embellishments with ease.
Xena Gusthart’s choreography is delivered with pin sharp procession however the same motif could be used a little less often however it does capture the heart of the show beautifully. Jon Bausor’s costume design is excellent and delivers well however the same isn’t true of their set design which is markedly different from the previous UK tour and does take the shine off the show. However Patrick Woodroffe’s lighting design is everything and more. Special mention must go to Finn Ross and there stellar video design that adds an immersive element to the show thanks to onstage videographer Tom Samuels.
All in all this Bat out of Hell still delivers well thanks to the astonishing back catalogue from both Steinman and Meatloaf alongside so many others it’s just a shame some of the shine has come off the show, that being said for a night of pure rock that sizzles and gets the audience on their feet every time then hit the Playhouse for tickets to journey from never land right through hell and back again!
Bat Out of Hell The Musical, The Edinburgh Playhouse, Runs until Sunday 11th January 2025 for additional info and tickets go to: Bat Out Of Hell Tickets | Edinburgh Playhouse in Edinburgh | ATG Tickets
The Production will also visit The King’s Theatre Glasgow from Monday 7th to Saturday 19th April as well as touring the UK.
ScotsGay Arts 