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.
Giselle, one of the greatest romantic ballets, has landed in Manchester and it’s a must-see
Eva Claricoates
When the English National Ballet is in Manchester, it’s an opportunity you shouldn’t let slip by, and is almost guaranteed to be one of the most stunning performances to grace the stage– Giselle at the Palace Theatre certainly was.
Giselle tells the story of a young peasant girl, who falls in love with Albrecht, a duke, who pretends to be a peasant in order to seduce the show’s namesake.
Albrecht is not only hiding his status but also an engagement to another. When Giselle finds out about his deception, she descends into madness and dies from a broken heart.
Giselle is summoned from the dead by spirits, the Wilis, all abandoned and betrayed before their wedding day. The Wilis take their revenge by dancing men to death, and Giselle must decide whether her love for Albrecht is too strong to sentence him to the same fate.
Credit: The Manc Group
Giselle tells a story of grief, heartbreak, and love, and how a true heart always avails. Hauntingly beautiful and romantic, Mary Skeaping’s production had been tenderly revived from its original performance, and it’s clear to see why the performance received five-star reviews earlier this year.
The entire production was captivating and dramatic, leaving the audience gasping, laughing and firmly glued to their seats. Adolphe Adam’s score is performed live by the English National Ballet Philharmonic nestled beneath the stage, which compliments the performance beautifully and skilfully.
Perhaps the most mesmerising point of the performance was the Wilis appearing in the forest at the beginning of act two, as they formed perfectly symmetrical formations, and appeared to almost float across the stage.
It served as a great medium for exploring themes of the supernatural exquisitely, providing truly stunning imagery to the audience.
Giselle uses mime to convey its storyline to the audience, and even if you are a first-time ballet-goer, it’s an easy-to-follow, modern performance which can be enjoyed by all audiences. If you’re so inclined, you can even get involved in a dedicated ballet masterclass.
Join our Creative Learning team and English National Ballet on Saturday 2 November for an exclusive ballet masterclass at the Palace Theatre! 🩰
This workshop is suitable for ages 11-17 with a keen interest in dance ranging up to intermediate levels.
Featured Images — Press Images (supplied)/The Manc Group
Theatre
13 Going On 30 The Musical to make world premiere in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A cult classic rom com is making its world premiere on the stage in Manchester – that’s right, 13 Going On 30 The Musical is coming to town.
The brand new show will open at the legendary Opera House next autumn, bringing all the magic of the time-travelling film to life.
The musical is based on the 2004 film starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, and is written by the same duo behind the hit flick.
It follows the story of adorably awkward 13-year-old Jenna Rink, who wishes she could skip the difficult high school years – until her birthday wish comes true.
She magically wakes up to find herself ’30, flirty and thriving’ in a dream life as a magazine editor.
But then comes the journey to work out what, and who, really matters in life.
13 Going On 30 The Musical will have songs by Michael Weiner and Alan Zachary, who wrote for High School Musical: The Musical, and will be directed by Andy Fickman of Heathers and She’s The Man.
Film writers Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, who have also written the book of the musical, said: “When we wrote the movie 13 Going on 30, we never dreamt that on the film’s 20th anniversary, we’d get the chance to see a whole new generation fall in love with Razzles and feel thirty, flirty, and thriving.
“It’s been a joy to work with ROYO, Revolution Studios, songwriters Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner, and director Andy Fickman to bring this story to life as a stage musical.
“We were thrilled by the audience’s response to our workshop last year, and now we can’t wait to officially open in Manchester at the legendary Opera House – the launchpad of so many iconic musicals.
“So bring your family, your friends, maybe a date, or just come alone – don’t be shy, we’re all nice. Hope you have as much fun seeing the show as we had making it!”
Tickets go on sale at 1.30pm on Wednesday 13 November HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
24th June 2024 
