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.
Northern Ballet’s Gentlemen Jack at The Lowry – A powerful story of queer love
Aimee Woodcock
Northern Ballet’s Gentleman Jack is a moving and beautifully crafted retelling of the life of Anne Lister, the 19th-century Yorkshire landowner often described as the ‘first modern lesbian’.
Through the stunning choreography of Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, the production captures not only Anne’s extraordinary determination to live authentically, but also the enduring power of queer love.
Gemma Coutts delivers a compelling performance as Anne Lister, embodying her confidence, intelligence and refusal to conform to society’s expectations. From the opening scenes, Anne’s strength of character shines through, setting the tone for a story that feels both deeply historical and strikingly relevant. The choreography from Ochoa allows Anne’s personality to shine through every movement.
Halfway through Act I, Saeka Shirai joins the ensemble as Marianne, Anne’s great love. Their partnership is one of the production’s highlights. The pair beautifully convey the intensity of their passion and devotion, so much so that it moved me to tears.
Surrounding them is a fascinating chorus of words, embodied by the ensemble dancers, who fill the stage and bring Anne’s famous diaries and inner thoughts vividly to life, you truly feel like you’re getting lost with the words as they take over the stage.
The romance is tested when Marianne’s husband discovers their affair. Faced with an impossible choice, Marianne chooses the security of her marriage over a life with Anne, leaving Anne heartbroken.
Credit: Tristram KentonCredit: Tristram KentonGentleman Jack is at The Lowry
Following this loss, Anne travels to Paris and returns transformed, once she’s back home in Yorkshire, she forms an immediate connection with the gentle and wealthy Ann Walker, danced beautifully by Rachael Gillespie. Their relationship becomes the emotional centre of Act II.
Together they face numerous challenges, including societal pressures and personal insecurities, yet their bond continues to deepen – a true testament to queer love.
Ochoa carefully builds their relationship through movement, creating a partnership that feels authentic and symbolic. The ballet ends in a symbolic wedding and shared flight towards a future together, a powerful affirmation of their love and commitment.
As a queer woman myself, I was completely moved by this portrayal of love. Seeing a same-sex relationship presented with such beauty, dignity and tenderness within the classical language of ballet felt deeply moving.
Gentleman Jack reminds us that queer women have always been here, and always will be. It is a powerful, emotional and uplifting production that I would highly recommend.
Gentleman Jack is at The Lowry in Salford until Saturday 6 June
Multi award-winning musical Hadestown is coming to Manchester on its UK tour next year
Emily Sergeant
Multi award-winning musical Hadestown is heading out on tour next year, and of course it’ll be stopping off in Greater Manchester.
The Tony and Grammy Award-winning production is currently playing its third smash-hit year in London’s West End, but once 2027 rolls around, Hadestown is embarking on its first-ever tour of the UK and Ireland, and tickets are officially set to go on general sale this morning (5 June).
If you’re unfamiliar with this modern-day classic, Hadestown takes you on an unforgettable journey to the underworld and back, intertwining two mythic love stories – that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone.
Described as being a ‘deeply resonant’ and ‘defiantly hopeful’ theatrical experience, audiences are invited to imagine how the world could be.
We're coming, songbirds. The journey underground begins February 2027.
Having been seen by over six million people, streamed by nearly a billion, and adored by fans around the world, critics have called this record-breaking musical ’the most exhilarating ride’… and once you watch it for yourself, it’s not hard to see why.
Hadestown will be taking to the stage at the Lowry in Salford next March, arriving in the city on Tuesday 9 March and running through until Thursday 11 March 2027.
Other northern cities the production will be visiting on its upcoming tour include Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle, Liverpool, Hull, and Chester, while there’s many other major locations on the list before it closes in Sunderland in mid-November 2027.
Multi award-winning musical Hadestown is coming to Manchester on its UK tour next year / Credit: Marc Brenner (Supplied)
While the production is touring, the critically acclaimed West End run will still continue at London’s Lyric Theatre, more than eight years after its sold-out debut at the National Theatre in 2018.
Hadestown will be at the Lowry from Tuesday 9 – Thursday 11 March 2027.
Daisy Jackson -
24th June 2024 
