Bat Out Of Hell At New Victoria Theatre, Woking Review

Reviewed by Kelly Victoria

It was a complete honour to attend the opening night of Bat out of Hell at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking. To celebrate the start of a two-week run at this amazing venue, a cavalcade of Harley Davidsons came roaring up to the theatre pre-show and cast members came out to greet people. This perfectly set the tone for the amazing evening ahead.

Whilst waiting for the show to start, we had the pleasure of meeting some die hard fans who explained that they tour every venue to watch as they love it so much. Having now seen the show, it’s easy to understand why!

Upon entering the beautiful theatre, the stage was set and was absolutely incredible. I would go so far as to say, it’s the most impressive set I’ve seen on a touring production. Members of the cast were gathered around a gleaming motorbike placed centre stage and were already creating an amazing ambience in anticipation for the show to start.

Featuring many of Meatloaf and Jim Steinman’s greatest hits, the story is loosely based around that of Peter Pan. Based in post-apocalyptic Manhattan, the story tells the love story of Raven (Martha Kirby) who falls in love with Strat (Glenn Adamson) the Leader of The Lost.

Raven’s Father, Falco (Rob Fowler) a senior figure in the city hates The Lost having had bad encounters with them in the past and even bares a scare on his face as a result of conflict. Despite this, Raven is determined to follow her passion and form a relationship with Strat.

Alongside their love story, Raven’s parent’s dysfunctional marriage is played out. With both comical and heart wrenching scenes their relationship is one of both love and hate.

Live video footage is taken throughout the show and is broadcast onto a huge screen at the back of the stage. This unique idea works really well and compliments the story line and set on stage in an interesting way.

The show was packed with incredible vocals and choreography which was performed by the ensemble with so much energy and passion. Each and every cast member on stage gave the most committed performance and was outstanding.

The vocals performed were exceptional and a special mention has to go to Martha Kirby (Raven) whose performance was pitch perfect and sang like she was born to play the role. Glen Adamson (Strat) made the perfect rock star and his iconic performance of the Bat Out of Hell scene was impeccable.

Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton as Raven’s parents were also absolutely brilliant. They portrayed their tumultuous marriage perfectly with incredible comical timing, but also with all of the emotion required.

Kudos goes to every single person involved in the show as absolutely everything from the stage, costumes, cast, lighting and special effects were incredible.

The show ended with a standing ovation which was well deserved and we were treated with an encore which had the whole audience on their feet dancing and singing.

New Victoria Theatre is the perfect place to host this epic show as it’s easy to access and has affordable parking leading you right into the shopping centre where the theatre is located. The staff are always incredibly welcoming and helpful. The bar area is beautiful and it’s a real treat to sit and enjoy a pre-theatre drink in the bar prior to the show.

Bat Out of Hell is a show that I’d choose to see time and time again. I’d encourage everyone to book tickets and get to the theatre to enjoy it for themselves.

Rating: 5/5

The show is on from Tuesday 25th October 2022 until Saturday 5th November 2022

Tickets cost from £13.00 and are subject to a transaction fee of £3.65.

For more information or to book tickets please visit Bat Out Of Hell Tickets | New Victoria Theatre, Woking in Woking | ATG Tickets or phone the box office on 0333 009 6690

The Peacocks Centre, Woking, GU21 6GQ