Bat Out Of Hell At Milton Keynes Theatre Review

Reviewed by Amanda Dando

Milton Keynes Theatre is surrounded by plenty of easy accessible parking and many restaurants should you want to eat before the show. On my approach to the Theatre I was amazed at the array of Harley Davidson bikes and their owners. Bat out of Hell arrived in Milton Keynes today, and boy did those bikers know how to arrive in style! What an incredible atmosphere on a balmy Tuesday evening. Definitely made the evening memorable.

I don’t quite know how to describe the show, it was musical theatre, but not as I have ever seen it before. Bat out of Hell features the musical greatest hits of Jim Steinman and the legendary Meatloaf. It’s not a show for the faint hearted, there are lots of loud bangs, flashing lights, nudity (well lots of men taking their shirts and sometimes trousers off!) and some (well quite a lot) of sexual references.

It’s a somewhat dark set, the story is about family, betrayal and of course love, which generally conquers all. A somewhat heavy metal soundtrack is most unusual, and I’m not quite sure how I feel about it. The cast led by Glenn Adamson as Strat and Martha Kirby as Raven were quite simply outstanding. I never ceased to be amazed at how hard these actors and actresses work on stage. Right from the start, these guys were passionate and sung their hearts out. It’s seemed all the more dramatic with the soundtrack. If you are a fan I am sure you knew all the songs, but for me the standout was of course I’d do anything for love (but I won’t do that) closely followed by You took the words right out of my mouth. Joelle Moses who played Zahara had an outstanding voice.

There was a very funny moment in amongst all the drama in the first act when several musicians from the orchestra jumped on stage, great timing and made everyone chuckle. I guess you can’t see Bat out of Hell and not talk about the motorcycle 🙂 which featured in many parts of the show. It all added to the feel of the show. The cast were lively, the dancing and singing all great.

The story of Ravens love for Strat plays out despite Ravens fathers best efforts to stop it. Ravens parents share some raunchy moments on stage (some very raunchy moments), but their own relationship is in trouble. I won’t spoil the story, but love wins out in the end and everyone is happy. There was some very energetic dancing throughout the show. Everyone involved deserved the standing ovation at the end, the cast came across as so passionate about the show and very humble. There is a very special atmosphere in a theatre and you can’t fail to leave without a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Meatloaf fan or not, get yourself down to Milton Keynes this week and see for yourself this award winning hit musical, it’s a Dead Ringer for Love!

Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost from £13 plus a transaction fee of £3.65
Bat out of Hell is at Milton Keynes Theatre from 14 to 25 June 2022 for more information or to book tickets visit atg tickets.com or call the box office on 020 7206 1174

500 Marlborough Gate Central Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ