electrifying: ‘bat out of hell’ rolls into cardiff
The electrifying opening night of Bat Out of Hell – The Musical at the New Theatre Cardiff on 3rd February proved to be an unmissable rock and roll spectacle. From the moment the curtains rose, the dynamic energy and powerful performances captivated the audience, making it a night to remember!
Bat Out of Hell - The Musical at The New Theatre, Cardiff this Feburary
The excellent staging and lighting were nothing short of breathtaking. The sprawling multi-level platforms and dynamic eight-piece rock band on stage transported the audience to the dystopian city of Obsidian. The visual effects, combined with the dramatic lighting, perfectly complemented the intense and immersive storyline, creating a visual feast that left the audience in awe.
“Dynamic Energy and Powerful Performances - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
The choreography was masterfully executed, adding an extra layer of excitement to the performance. Each dance number was a testament to the skill and creativity of the cast, bringing the characters and their emotions to life in a way that was both captivating and exhilarating. The meticulous attention to detail in the choreography not only enhanced the narrative but also showcased the cast's exceptional talent and dedication to their craft.
The calibre of musical performance was outstanding. The cast delivered Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf's greatest hits with incredible passion and precision. The iconic songs, including "Bat Out of Hell," "You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth," and "I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)," resonated powerfully with the audience, creating a memorable musical experience. The seamless integration of the music into the narrative was a testament to Steinman's genius, with each song feeling like it was always meant to be part of the story.
The cast's incredible vocals were a highlight of the evening. Each performer brought their unique voice to the table, delivering powerful and emotive renditions of the songs. Leading man Glenn Adamson, as Strat, was particularly impressive, with his rock and roll vocals and charismatic stage presence. In an exclusive interview, Glenn Adamson shared his excitement about the show: "Audiences are in for an absolute rock and roll party. It's larger than life and an absolute riot." He described the musical as "everything you'd expect from their fantastic songs, but in a story that's set in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic world. It's a fantastic night out."
“The visual effects, combined with the dramatic lighting, perfectly complemented the intense and immersive storyline, creating a visual feast that left the audience in awe”
Katie Tonkinson, who plays Raven, brought a fresh and vibrant energy to the stage. Her portrayal of Raven, a character locked up for her whole life and seeking freedom, exploration, and love, was both heartfelt and compelling. Katie's credits include Tarantino Live and a recent role as Snow White in Greenwich Theatre's annual pantomime. Reflecting on her character, Katie said, "She's still quite innocent, she doesn't have a lot of knowledge of the world and because she's so excitable she is quite emotionally reactive to things. That's a lot of fun to play."
The chemistry between Glenn and Katie was palpable, adding depth to the love story that lies at the heart of the musical. Their on-stage dynamic brought the characters' emotions to life, making the audience feel every moment of their journey. Glenn Adamson, reprising his role as Strat from previous productions, said, "It has the most incredible music and it's a really joyous team to work with. We have such good fun and it's just an incredible show. It has a great fan base and there's no feeling quite like being in it. The buzz being out there each night is amazing."
Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton, who originated the roles of Falco and Sloane, have returned to the show many times over the years. Rob praised the new production for keeping "all of Jim's authenticity and music alive," while making it "more accessible to every theatre in the UK." Sharon added, "The great thing with Bat Out of Hell is that it constantly evolves, but Jim's story, music and lyrics remain the heart of the piece." Their performances brought a sense of continuity and depth to the production, further enhancing the overall experience.
“Audiences are in for an absolute rock and roll party. It’s larger than life and an absolute riot”
The music of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf is timeless, and this production of Bat Out of Hell – The Musical serves as a testament to their enduring legacy. Rob Fowler captured this sentiment perfectly, stating, "Jim's songs are like a two-act play. Every song has its own story and journey, and that keeps the piece moving. It's like going to your favourite theme park. Every ride is exhilarating, every ride is an adrenaline rush and every ride makes you want to get on it again."
Sharon Sexton spoke to the show's ability to reach across generations, saying, "What is lovely is that the music is being discovered by a whole younger generation who wouldn't have grown up with it. Then with the parents who bring them along and introduce them to it, it's like they're finding themselves again. We all grow old in our bodies but we don't always grow old in our minds and in our hearts. So many people come up to us at the stage door after the show and go 'You reignited something in my soul that I forgot'."
“stunning visuals, exceptional choreography, and unforgettable music created a truly immersive and thrilling experience”
As the performance drew to a close, it was clear that Bat Out of Hell – The Musical had made a lasting impression on the audience. The combination of stunning visuals, exceptional choreography, and unforgettable music created a truly immersive and thrilling experience. Rob's reflection on the musical's impact was echoed by the audience's enthusiastic response, with many expressing a renewed sense of connection to the music and the story. It was particularly gratifying to witness such talented cast and crew perform on a Welsh stage, bringing their unique artistry and passion to local audiences.
Glenn Adamson summed up the night perfectly when he said, "It's a bit like going to a gig but with a great story that's being told. Having the band right there on stage makes it even more exciting." The opening night at the New Theatre Cardiff was indeed a rock and roll rollercoaster, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating the rest of the UK tour.
Bat Out of Hell – The Musical is a triumph of theatrical storytelling, brought to life by a talented cast and crew. The combination of stunning visuals, exceptional choreography, and unforgettable music creates a truly immersive and thrilling experience. Don't miss your chance to witness this spectacular show as it continues its UK tour.
Get your Tickets for New Theatre, Cardiff Performance Here