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.
Beloved play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time set to return to the stage in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
One of the most beloved stage plays of the 21st Century is returning to Manchester.
Based on the celebrated 2003 novel of the same name that captivated readers worldwide, and inspired a groundbreaking National Theatre production, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is returning to one of Manchester‘s most iconic stages in early 2027 as part of a major UK tour.
The new play is adapted from Mark Haddon’s multi-million-selling novel by acclaimed Playwright Simon Stephens, and will be directed by Ned Bennett.
Taking over the Manchester Opera House stage in March 2027, critics have described the production as ‘inventive, gripping, and moving’.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story to create an ‘unforgettable’ theatrical event.
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If you’re not familiar with the plot, the play tells the story of Christopher Boone – a gifted child with a brilliant mind for numbers, but unsettled by the unpredictability of people and everyday life.
When a neighbour’s dog is killed, he finds himself under suspicion, but determined to prove his innocence, Christopher becomes both detective and suspect, drawn into a mystery that grows darker and more complex with every clue he uncovers.
What begins as the search for a culprit soon reveals secrets closer to home, ultimately forcing him to confront truths that will test his courage, his family, and his understanding of trust, independence, and the wider world.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Manchester / Credit: Supplied
“The journey of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has been an extraordinary adventure,” commented Playwright Simon Stephens, as the new adaptation was announced this week.
“It has taken me all over the world. From church halls to enormous auditoria, and from school drama clubs to Wembley Way.
“I am thrilled that Christopher Boone is about to head out again through the United Kingdom. He is a boy defined by his determination and his bravery. This feels like a time when those characteristics are more urgently needed than ever.”
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is coming to Manchester Opera House as part of its UK tour from Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 March 2027, and tickets go on general sale next Friday (21 November) at 10am.
The Karate Kid – The Musical, inspired by the iconic 80s film, is coming to Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Iconic 80s film The Karate Kid has now been reimagined as a stage musical – and it’s coming to Manchester next spring.
The Karate Kid – The Musical will be heading out on its UK premiere tour in 2026, including a run of dates at the Palace Theatre in Manchester.
The musical follows the same themes as the original, legendary 1984 film, a coming-of-age story that follows the relationship and teachings between Daniel LaRusso and Mr Miyagi.
It’s not just about karate, it’s about resilience, mentorship, and the quiet strength that bridges generations, and on the stage you can expect movement, music, and energetic storytelling too.
The original blockbuster starred Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita and has gone down in history as one of cinema’s greatest films, earning Morita an Academy Award nomination.
It’s become a major global franchise, including three movie sequels, a remake with Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan, and a Netflix series (Cobra Kai).
The Karate Kid – The Musical made its world premiere in 2022, selling out theatres and earning rave reviews.
Those iconic cinematic moments are brought to life on the stage by a Tony Award-winning design team.
The Karate Kid – The Musical is heading on a major UK tour before it hits the West End and Broadway.
It’s written by Robert Mark Kamen, screenwriter of the original 1984 movie, with music and lyrics by Drew Gasparini.
Kamen says: “William Goldman said about Hollywood “No one knows anything.” He was right.
“Who knew that 43 years after I wrote the original script for THE KARATE KID, we would see these very same characters acting and singing on the British stage in a story that is as fresh and universally relevant as it was four decades ago.”
The Karate Kid – The Musical is at the Palace Theatre from Tuesday 12 to Saturday 23 May 2026, with tickets on sale now HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
24th June 2024 
