New Victoria Theatre, Woking – until Saturday 5th November 2022
Reviewed by Emma Barnes
4****
Bat out of Hell came blazing into Woking last night with a show that was a spectacularly high energy and gloriously overblown assault on the senses.
A rock musical mash up based loosely around Peter Pan with hints of Romeo and Juliet, Bat out of Hell is based in a post-apocalyptic dystopian world which has been ravaged by a chemical war leaving a select group of street teens forever frozen at the age of 18. Based in the futuristic city of Obsidian, Strat (Glenn Adamson) is the leader of the teenagers ‘The Lost’. After years of searching for someone who understands him he falls for Raven (Martha Kirby) , daughter of tyrannical ruler Falco (Rob Fowler) who seeks to shield his daughter by whatever means possible, with or without agreement from partner Sloane (Sharon Sexton). The story was written pre-covid, but in 2022 the concept of locking your child away to protect them has increased significance.
It’s no surprise that original London cast members Rob Fowler (Falco) and Sharon Sexton (Sloane) give a fantastic performance with soaring, intricate duets and an onstage chemistry which is palpable. The birthday party scene was absolutely hilarious and ‘What Part of My Body Hurts The Most’ serving as a heartbreaking portrayal of relationship breakdown.
An impressive touring set takes you into the underground world of Obsidian and into the home of Raven (Martha Kirby) . Live camera work is used to project onto screens and gives every audience member the opportunity to see close up face expressions. I found it refreshing to be immersed into a love story where the female lead has all of the power and the male is somewhat submissive.
The energy onstage is off the scale, particularly demonstrated by Glenn Adamson who’s stamina for leaping around the stage whilst blasting out hit after hit is exhausting to witness. With blood, fire, confetti, motorbikes and a generous dose of thrilling teenage love mixed with youthful rebellion ‘Bat out of Hell’ hits you with 2 hours of pure escapism that refuses to take itself too seriously. Judging by the reaction in the crowd it didn’t fail to hit the spot.
And that’s exactly what the audience wanted, a nostalgic escape and to feel like 18 year olds all over again. They expected to hear quality renditions of “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” and “You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)” and that’s exactly what this show delivers within the loose framework of a timeless story.
A must-see for Meat Loaf and Rock’n’Roll fans alike that does justice to the legacies of Jim Steinman and Marvin Lee Aday. A well deserved standing ovation at the end of the night and a guarantee that everyone was singing their hearts out on their journeys home.