Bat Out of Hell – The Musical, which is packed full of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s biggest hits, is heading back to Manchester early next year.
The huge production toured the UK, Ireland and beyond between 2021 and 2023, scooping up several awards as it went.
And now it’s returning to the Palace Theatre for an extra go at a UK-wide tour.
The reimagined show features an eight-piece rock band on stage with multi-level stage scenes.
Bat Out of Hell audiences are transported through several worlds, from Raven’s bedroom to the depths of the Lost’s underground domains.
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The Meat Loaf album which shares a name with the musical is one of the biggest-selling albums in history after its release in 1977, spawning two more Bat Out of Hell albums several years later.
For the stage musical, the legendary and award-winning Jim Steinman incorporates iconic songs from the albums, including You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth, Bat Out of Hell, I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) and Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad, as well as the previously unreleased song What Part of My Body Hurts the Most.
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When Bat Out Of Hell returns to Manchester in 2025, it will again follow the Lost boys and girls who flee into tunnels below the city from its ruler Falco.
Down here, Falco’s daughter Raven falls into a love-at-first-sight romance with Strat, the fearless leader of the Lost, which threatens to destroy both their families.
Glenn Adamson & Katie Tonkinson, Bat Out of Hell the Musical, credit Matt CrockettGlenn Adamson & Katie Tonkinson, Bat Out of Hell the Musical, credit Matt Crockett
Returning to the cast are Glenn Adamson (We Will Rock You, London Coliseum, Bat Boy in concert, London Palladium) as Strat, Katie Tonkinson (Bonnie and Clyde, UK & Ireland Tour) as Raven and original leading cast members Rob Fowler (MAMMA MIA!, UK & International tour, Tanz Der Vampire Das Musical, German tour) as Falco and Sharon Sexton (MAMMA MIA!, UK & International tour, Billy Elliot The Musical) as Sloane.
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The book, music and lyrics are by Jim Steinman, direction is by Jay Scheib, with musical supervision and additional arrangements by Michael Reed, additional choreography by Xena Gusthart, set and costume design by Jon Bausor, original costume designs by Meentje Nielsen, original wig designs by Linda McKnight, video design by Finn Ross, lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, sound design by Gareth Owen, orchestration by Steve Sidwell, original casting by David Grindrod CDG and casting by Anne Vosser.
The West End & UK Tour of Bat Out of Hell – The Musical is produced by Michael Cohl, Tony Smith & David Sonenberg with executive producer Julian Stoneman.
Bat Out of Hell will be at the Palace Theatre in Manchester between 24 February and 8 March.
Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday 26 June at midday here.
Matilda The Musical announces open auditions in Manchester
Thomas Melia
Much-loved theatre show Matilda the Musical is making its return to Manchester this Spring, and is now in search of some troublesome kids to star on the stage.
Set to hit the stage in spring 2026, the hit musical based off the Roald Dahl novel of the same name has now announced open auditions for the roles of Matilda and her classmates.
This might just be the only classroom your kids will ever beg to go to…
Auditions will be held in Manchester in February and March this year, with budding young stars asked to perform a short poem, speech or monologue, to sing something, and will be taught a dance from the show.
Matilda the Musical focuses on the life of an independent young girl who uses her magical powers to fix or hinder situations where she’s misunderstood by adults, all with a lively soundtrack of hit songs written by Tim Minchin.
As well as acting, dancing and singing abilities, age is a big factor too, and as much as I’d love to sit on stage eating a giant chocolate cake, unfortunately it’s not my time to shine.
Performers must be aged between nine and 13 on 1 July 2025 with height restrictions of 4’10” for boys and 4’6″ for girls. Those auditioning for the lead role of Matilda must be under 4’3″ and aged between nine and 12 on 1 July 2025.
Stomping their way through education. Credit: Manuel Harlan
These little stars have a few more rules to follow before they get to be ‘a little bit naughty’ as another requirement for boys is their voices must be unbroken.
All children who are interested in being part of the show, whatever the role, need to make sure they’re available for the full rehearsal and performance period with anyone cast needing to live within an hour of Manchester city centre.
There are lots of factors to consider and for anyone who needs some reassurance or who may be applying to a live show for the first time, there’s a handy video on the audition link that will prepare candidates.
Matilda the Musical rehearsals will take place from July to August this year ahead of its return to the Palace Theatre Manchester from 26 March to 25 April 2026.
The cast of Matilda soaring and singing. Credit: Manuel Harlan
Any children aged between 9 and 13 on 1 July 2025 can apply for the open auditions HERE.
‘Matilda The Musical’ is on its way to Manchester for 2026 and although not everyone is eligible to apply for the casting call, everyone can see the show with tickets already on sale HERE.
Open casting call goes live for major musical premiering in Manchester
Thomas Melia
An open casting call is now live looking for rising stars to take to the stage in Manchester, for a major new musical.
After receiving lots of critical acclaim in USA, cross-cultural musical Come Fall In Love is making its UK premiere in Manchester, and is looking for budding theatre performers to get involved.
Full name Come Fall in Love : The DDLJ Musical, the production is based off the legendary Bollywood cut ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, shortened to DDLJ in more recent years, with the film becoming the longest-running title in Indian cinema.
The musical and film adaptation both follow the love story of Raj and Simran, who meet in Europe and also in India where Raj fights and ultimately wins the love of his life from her promised potential husband.
Alex and safari crew at Manchester Opera House. Credit: Supplied& JULIET in all its splendour. Credit: Matthew MurphyThe Full Monty came to Manchester last year. Credit: Supplied
After its official announcement in September, producers are now looking for South Asian dancers, actors and singers to feature in the show throughout its one month run at the Manchester city centre venue.
The creative team behind this all-new, colourful show is certainly one to boast about. From Olivier Award winner Nell Benjamin, behind Mean Girls and Legally Blonde, through to music by Indian talents, Vishal & Shekhar, it’s a true fusion of cultures.
Auditions are starting as soon as this month with the first batch taking place on 13 January with successful candidates travelling to London for rehearsals from 14 April.
The official ‘Casting Call’ for ‘Come Fall in Love’. Credit: Supplied
Anyone considering applying for this East-meets West musical comedy can do so via their official website HERE – but you only have until 7 January to apply.
If you love the sound of this stage production but your dancing abilities might not be up to scratch, you can enjoy from the comfort of your own theatre seat with tickets available HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
24th June 2024 
