If you are going to do anything this year, you absolutely need to see Bat Out Of Hell. A non-stop thrill ride that renders you physically breathless by the interval, it is certainly a show that cannot be missed. The show is a loose retelling of Peter Pan, following 18-year-old Raven (Martha Kirby); she wishes to join the Lost, a gang of rebellious outcasts who will remain 18 forever.
Kirby and Glenn Adamson, who plays angsty frontman Strat, are beautiful performances and well casted, but it’s Raven’s parents that steal the show. Falco and Sloane, played by Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton, are possibly the most hilarious stage couple I’ve encountered. Having honed these roles on the West End, their chemistry is electric: their relationship offstage definitely has an impact on their relationship onstage. Turbulent yet mututually understanding characters, Sloane’s wittier lines induce laughter even in the tensest scenes.
The ensemble is ridiculously talented – as Zahara, Joelle Moses’ alto vocal range stunned the audience, and the trio of James Chisholm, Kellie Gnauck and Danny Whelan delivered a gorgeous rendition of Objects In The Rear View Mirror – the choreography exquisitely performed, yet this show hinges on the vision of the late Jim Steinman, and his take on J.M. Barrie’s Lost Boys. The cast perform these classic Steinman/Meat Loaf songs with the vocal prowess of seasoned rock stars, resulting in a musical that feels more like a concert.
The production’s set, lighting and pyrotechnics offer further unique components. A film camera projects onto a screen at the back of the stage, creating a music video-esque element. The cast members clamber across the set, the lighting cues are perfectly in time with the music, and there are even pyrotechnics during the explosive Act 1 performance of Bat Out of Hell’s title track. The show is like a motorbike ride in itself: the fast-paced excitement means the performance absolutely flies by.
This production is pure rock’n’roll, a perfect blend of romance, drama, comedy and music. Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman’s collaborative hits translate brilliantly to the stage and their legacies are honoured by the cast. At the end of the performance, Fowler implores the audience, “Tell everyone live theatre is back!” before we’re treated to one final song in tribute to Meat Loaf, who would have turned 75 today. I encourage absolutely everyone to attend this show – you won’t regret it!
Bat Out Of Hell, New Theatre, Cardiff, Tue 27 Sept
On until Sat 1 Oct. Tickets: £24-£54. Info: here
words RHIANNON FARR photos CHRIS DAVIS
