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Our review of Bat Out Of Hell

Totally. Super. Awesome

Kitty McCarronKitty McCarron, July 6th, 2017
5/5

Epic operatic experience

Bat Out of Hell revs you harder than a Harley Davidson

On the 2017 London production:

A high octane thrill ride, this epic stage adaptation of the already fairly epic album(s) is utterly irresistible.

With this simple story of good over evil and a good-old forbidden romance, Bat Out of Hell revs you harder than a Harley Davidson. Its confection of denim, leather, sequins, and satin, which evokes the rockabilly scene of the '50s meets The Fifth Element, is so good I can't stop with the effusive adjectives

From the opening bars, the delightfully OTT production propels you headfirst into its crazy world. In a post-apocalyptic Obsidian (formerly Manhattan) immortal rebels fight against The Man, a first-rate villain called Falco who deals in oppression. Little does he know, Raven, his soon to be 18 year old daughter is in love with the leader of the rebels, a sinewy rock and roll punk called Strat. Cue the music!

Obviously the large draw here is the high camp rock and roll of Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman's oeuvre. Each tune surprises you and the casual or novice fan will recognise at least 50% of the songs here, including 'Dead Ringer For Love', 'Paradise By The Dashboard Light' and 'Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad'. The expert production pitches each higher and higher until the finale 'I Would Do Anything For Love' has you across a barrel, shamelessly singing along at the top of your voice.

Every aspect of the show combines seamlessly, from the passion of the actors to the amazing special effects (fire! And confetti cannons!) and the choreography, the creativity and humour of which I had never experienced before. What is most evident here is that everyone who contributed to the production really cared - love and reverence are apparent even in the foyer where you can further immerse yourself in Obsidian with a specially brewed beer.

If you can get hold of a ticket, run to the theatre, you won't regret it!