"Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell Musical: A Rocking Spectacle You Can't Miss!"
Cheltenham Everyman Theatre this week has been treated to a Meat Loaf / Jim Stineman musical, "Bat Out Of Hell The Musical". The show has returned for a new tour, with a few familiar faces making a return, with some newbies that have joined the incredible casting, set design and musical numbers - played by an incredible band who are all talented in their own way.
A show, that I've been on a journey with since 2017, so like Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton and many fans of the show, have seen it change at every stage of its incredible journey, Unlike some of the fans, We've followed it through its journey across the UK, From it's time in the West End to its current version in the UK Tour. Currently it stars Glenn Adamson, as Strat, who is after a girl, called Raven (Katie Tonkinson) and Lives in a Tower, protected by her father who does everything in his power to protect her, (Typical Love story), a bit like Peter Pan as Strat never ages, and will forever stay at 18, He's joined by the lost gang; who look at Strat as the leader of the lost with Jagwire and Zahara next in comand.
The entire cast have been casted just perfectly, as everyone can belt out a Meat Loaf hit; one after another, with Glenn, singing the main number "Bat Out Of Hell" which is a theatrical master piece, and hasn't really changed much from the days of the West End; Glenn really holds the stage well during this number and the audience roars with appauled when it ends, as he puts his heart and soul into the number; Things to look out for, T-Shirt Throw, Blood, Confetti and Fire! - It is really spectacular!
The show, is somewhat shorter than the original, however the show still packs a punch with timeless classics from Meat Loaf, including "Heaven Can Wait", "I'd Do Anything For Love" and "Out Of The Frying Pan and Into The Fire"
It's not like a traditional musical where the band are hidden away, these are on stage which add to the shows amazing aray of talent, as you get to see the legends behind the music, bringing it to life. Not only that, but watch for the cast interaction on stage with the band. It adds a new level to it.
Stand Out Performers! & Incredible Band, who are on stage.
Now, Whilst everyone is incredibly talented, I wanted to mention a lady who played Sloane, usually played by Sharon Sexton, who was the original Sloane, and met her Husband (Rob Fowler) on the show, was off; This was covered by the incredibly talented Harriet Richardson-Cockerline, Who was covering the role and WOW! We all know Sharon's boots are big to fill in such an iconic role, but how incredible was she; Paradise By The Dashboard Light, was certainly a great fun entertaining performance with vocals to match, She held the performance of Sloane with perfection. The audience seemed to love her Paradise, and "What Part Of My Body Hurts The Most" and "It's All Coming Back To Me", which got a big cheer from the audience. There are litterally no words to discribe how incredible she was. I have to say, Paradise was so funny! I love the onstage chemistory with Rob Fowler and Harriet.
Overal, whoever is playing what ever role on stage, are incredible; the casting for this show is amazing and everyone who get's a chance to play their cover role are born to be in that role and lots of the "fans" of the show, have commented about the handheld mics; honestly, yes, I understand that this may not be usual for a musical to use, but the sound is so much better and it is mixed a lot clearer for the audience and it makes you hear every note and every lyric how it was supposed to be heard. I love, the hand held mics, you forget after awhile they have them and the cast use them well to make sure its incorperated into the show itself as if their characters are supposed to be using them.
It's a show that is very close to many dear Bat Out Of Hell fans, who have seen it in many different versions. This current version is incredible and long may it continue on a UK tour! I'd love more dates, only can hope that the producers announce more dates for future venues, and I would love to see it return to Cheltenham Everyman in the future as it fitted the theatre just right and the audiences were incredibly well behaved... As a fan of the Meat Loaf Music, and loving the show in all its formats, I have made some incredible friends through the show and am very grateful to the show for allowing us to review this iconic show, not only in Cheltenham, but one of my favourite venues in the UK when it comes to reviewing incredible shows. A Great venue book for Bat Out Of Hell The Musical!
Show Runs for 2hrs 20 minutes, Starts 7.30pm with Interval, Ends 9.55pm (Approx) on Evening. (Depending on Venue).
Bat Out Of Hell is in Cheltenham until Saturday 5th April, then hits the highway!
The Show is showing as limited seats for the weekend, but you may get some tickets here: https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/shows/bat-out-of-hell/#tickets - Performances remain, Thursday Matinee at 2pm, Evening 7.30pm, Friday 7.30pm then Saturday 2pm & 7.30pm.
If you don't get a chance to book Cheltenham, then see the Bat Out Of Hell The Musical website for future tour dates, (Including Bristol in September 2025).
Tour Dates for Bat Out Of Hell Here:
