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.
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.
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.
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.
‘Pioneering’ immersive theatre productions to take place inside shipping containers across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
A pioneering production company is bringing immersive theatre inside shipping containers to Greater Manchester.
DARKFIELD has announced their first shows in Greater Manchester for seven years, and will present their three most critically-acclaimed experiences at iconic venues across the region as part of an ‘exciting’ collaboration.
Keen audiences will be able to head to The Lowry, Aviva Studios, and HOME this month to see theatre like they’ve never seen it before.
Renowned for their trademark shipping containers popping up across the UK and internationally, bringing mysterious and exciting experiences across the country, DARKFIELD will present SÉANCE, FLIGHT and ARCADE so crowds can find themselves immersed in the supernatural, boarding a new airline, or navigating a war torn world.
Fresh from sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, BFI London Film Festival, and an extended residency at Shoreditch Town Hall, ARCADE will arrive at The Lowry – which is the company’s newest production.
‘Pioneering’ immersive theatre productions inside shipping containers will be happening across Greater Manchester / Credit: Mihaela Bodlovic | Fiona Rita Blyth
Aviva Studios will welcome one of DARKFIELD’s most popular and critically-acclaimed experiences, FLIGHT.
Over 30 minutes in total darkness, FLIGHT explores the Many-Worlds Interpretation of quantum mechanics, taking audience members through two worlds, two realities, and two possible outcomes to their journey.
And then over at HOME, the company’s first shipping container experience, SÉANCE, will be on show.
The interior of a 24ft container will be transformed into a Victorian séance room, and asks audiences to believe not only what is happening inside the container, but also in what might be conjured up into the room with them.
“We are delighted to be returning to Greater Manchester to present our shows in collaboration with three incredible venues,” commented DARKFIELD, ahead of their arrival in our region.
“We can’t wait to welcome audiences across the region to experience the strange worlds we’ve created.”
Chicago The Musical at The Lowry, Salford – a story of hot jazz and theatrical bliss
Aimee Woodcock
All That Jazz has found its way to Salford this week as Chicago the Musical hits The Lowry, and it’s safe to say the show still knows how to pull in a crowd.
Set in 1920s Chicago, the story centres on Roxie Hart, a chorus girl who shoots her lover and winds up behind bars. Inside Cook County Jail she meets Velma Kelly, a nightclub star with her own double-murder conviction.
Both women want the spotlight as much as they want their freedom, and with the slick lawyer Billy Flynn fighting their corner, it quickly turns into a tit-for-tat battle of who can play the media game best.
The big talking point this time round is Janette Manrara, swapping the Strictly ballroom for the theatre stage in her debut as Roxie. She’s playful, cheeky and full of energy, and it’s clear she’s enjoying every second.
By her side, Djalenga Scott is a knockout Velma. From the moment she kicks things off with ‘All That Jazz’ she owns the stage, captivating the audience with every line.
Together, the pair bounce off each other brilliantly – their love-hate chemistry is one of the show’s strongest pulls.
Chicago The Musical at The Lowry in Salford. Credit: Paul Coltas
Darren Day brings the charm as Billy Flynn, the lawyer who can turn any trial into one big show stopper. His big number ‘Razzle Dazzle’ truly shines.
Stepping in for Brenda Edwards tonight was Victoria Anderson, in her element as Mama Morton, belting out ‘When You’re Good to Mama’ with just the right amount of soul.
Joshua Lloyd shines as Amos Hart, Roxie’s hopeless husband, heartbreakingly relatable in ‘Mr. Cellophane’, while Jordan Lee Davies brings humour and surprise as the iconic Mary Sunshine.
The staging is simple, with the 12-piece orchestra, sat in full view. It gives the whole show a stripped-back, concert-like feel, letting the band drive the energy – and trust us there’s plenty of it throughout the two hour show.
Chicago The Musical at The Lowry in Salford. Credit: Paul Coltas
Of course, Bob Fosse’s iconic choreography is front and centre of each performance and instantly recognisable. The famous ‘Cell Block Tango’ is as gripping as ever, the audience filled with applause upon finishing.
Chicago has been running for nearly 30 years, but it feels far from tired. If anything, its satirical take on fame and the media feels even sharper today than ever.
At The Lowry, it’s delivered with style, glitz and a lot of sass. One for fans old and new and well worth a night out.
Daisy Jackson -
24th June 2024 
