Bat Out Of Hell At Theatre Royal, Plymouth, Review

Reviewed by Linda Curtain

There have been some impressive first night performances at Plymouth Theatre Royal over the years but the convoy of Harley Davidson motorbikes roaring up Royal Parade and then assembling outside the theatre certainly puts this production up with the top ones.

Plymouth Theatre Royal is well known and admired on the theatre circuit and secures bookings for such a variety of shows. Situated centrally in Plymouth, the theatre is easy to access with numerous nearby car parks. There is always a great welcome when you go to a show there, with helpful front of house staff. The downstairs bar area is a great meeting place for a pre-show drink and I am eagerly awaiting the re-opening of the foyer coffee shop.
Having got my programme, we soon located our seats and with a dramatic opening scene, the show began.
Although knowing some of MeatLoaf’s iconic songs, I didn’t know anything about the stage show but what a treat it was to watch this amazing production which is on a UK tour.

Very briefly, the storyline is set in the year 2030 where a group of teenagers had been exposed to chemical warfare which resulted in them staying forever eighteen. They live as a group named ‘The Lost’ and reside on wasteland in Obsidian – formerly Manhattan. The area is ruled by a ruthless businessman Falco who is determined to oust the group from his land and develop the city. When Falco’s daughter Raven encounters the leader of The Lost – Strat – she feels an immediate romantic attraction and fights to break free from her controlling parents in Falco Towers and join Strat’s group.

From the outset this show was amazing – with electrifying rock song and some gentle ballads. The stage setting was incredible with Falco Towers being viewed on stage right and the activities within projected on an overhead screen, while the action on the wasteland took centre stage.

Comedy elements were great – Falco ( played by Rob Fowler) and his wife Sloane (played by Franziska Schuster ) were a brilliant duo with outstanding comedy timing -even if embarrassing to their daughter Raven ( played by Martha Kirby ). Her eighteenth birthday party scene was a comedy highlight with the table slickly transforming into a car before our eyes!

With such a strong cast it is difficult to single out individuals to mention but the vocals of Strat, Raven, Jagwire ( played by James Chisholm ) and Zahara ( played by Joelle Moses ) stole the show for me. Such powerful voices – they certainly did Meatloaf proud as did all the cast members.

Choreography was outstanding – one of the best and well executed that I have seen on stage. The energy throughout was first class.

The heavy beat of the music – combined with the roar of the bikes – resonated through the audience. I must also thank the Theatre Royal for keeping the auditorium so cool last evening. Having been one of the hottest days so far this year I was afraid the theatre would be too warm but the temperature was great.

A bit of a combination of Peter Pan and Romeo and Juliet made this story of teenage love and youthful rebellion a night to remember.

What a wonderful tribute to Jim Steinman and MeatLoaf. Their musical talent will certainly live on through this electrifying show.

Rating: 5/5. Faultless!

Tickets available from theatreroyal.com tickets from £22.

Show running at Theatre Royal Plymouth until 23rd July.