Bat Out Of Hell at Milton Keynes Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Mel Randle
Last night myself and my family attended the opening night of Bat Out Of Hell at Milton Keynes Theatre.
This award winning rock musical, featuring the songs of Jim Steinman (lyricist) and Meatloaf has been doing the rounds since 2017 yet this is the first time I have seen it. Why I ask myself!?! I am not going to lie, I have no idea what was going on in the first half – the story was loosely based on Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, set in an underground sewer (I think), but the second half brought it all together, although to be honest, I don’t think this show is about the storyline so overall it didn’t really matter what they did, it was all about the music!
We as a family were all very different demographics for this show. I know and love the music of Meatloaf, my husband knows the mainstream chart toppers such as Bat Out of Hell and Dead Ringer For Love, and my daughter (9) has never heard of him! Yet all three of us loved the show which I think demonstrates that this is for absolutely anyone!! I should however point out that the recommended age for the show is 13+ due to strong language and scenes of a sexual nature so parental guidance is advised.
I don’t really know what to say or where to start with this one because I think this is one show that has to be seen to be believed. No words would ever do it justice. The staging is set on multiple levels with a live band, an onstage camera man projecting a different dimension of the show on dual video screens, pyrotechnics and some awesome props including an American Car and a Harley Davidson motorcycle. The lighting is akin to that at a rock concert at Wembley stadium and the music is loud with the bass beating through the auditorium. I probably would say if you are affected by sensory overload, this may be a musical you struggle with.
All of that aside, what really made this show is the unbelievable performances by the cast. I have never seen anything so incredible. I was worn out just watching the energy on the stage yet they made it look easy. I wouldn’t want to single anybody out, because I am just in awe of everybody from the lead to the ensemble, but the utterly awesome performance by lead Glenn Adamson as Strat should not go without mention and Katie Tonkinson as Raven made belting out a Celine Dion classic look effortless!
I can’t summarise this show other than to say see it!! If you love Meatloaf, you can’t go wrong. If you are unfamiliar with his music, go in with an open mind and have the most incredible (and exhausting) night of your life!!
Rating: 5/5
Bat Out Of Hell is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 28th June 2025
Tickets available from £15.00 subject to a transaction fee of £3.95
For more information and to book tickets, please visit https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/bat-out-of-hell/milton-keynes-theatre/