Last night reminded me exactly why I love the theatre. After a long and testing day, the pull of the sofa was strong—but I am so glad I made the effort to head to 
Before the show even began, excitement was in the air as the cast made a dramatic entrance. Leads Strat (Glenn Adamson) and Raven (Katie Tonkinson) came out and mounted the bikes themselves, posing for photos and setting the tone for the rock-and-roll spectacle to come. From that moment, the night kicked off with raw energy and didn’t slow down for a second.
The Storyline
At its core, Bat Out of Hell is a fantastical reimagining of Peter Pan with a dose of Romeo and Juliet thrown in. Set in a post-apocalyptic, dystopian city, it follows Strat, the leader of The Lost—a gang of rebellious, forever-young outcasts—as he falls in love with Raven, the sheltered daughter of the oppressive Falco and Sloane. The plot weaves together themes of rebellion, passion, youth, and heartbreak, all set to the epic, operatic soundtrack that defined Meat Loaf’s legacy. It's bold, surreal, and gloriously over the top in all the right ways.
The Cast
Glenn Adamson as Strat is a revelation. His voice is nothing short of extraordinary—raw, powerful, and emotionally charged. I genuinely don't think I’ve ever heard vocals quite like his in a live show. There were moments where my heart was in my mouth, completely stunned by his vocal strength and emotional range.
Katie Tonkinson is equally sensational as Raven, combining vulnerability and defiance in a performance that perfectly captures a young woman caught between rebellion and family ties. Together, Adamson and Tonkinson are electric—vocally and emotionally. Their chemistry ignites the stage.
Sharon Sexton brings both glamour and complexity to the role of Sloane, while Rob Fowler as Falco delivers a commanding performance with real depth. Their onstage dynamic—particularly in the number Paradise by the Dashboard Light—was hilarious, heartfelt, and hugely entertaining.
A special mention must go to Georgia Iudica-Davies as Zahara. Her voice gave me absolute goosebumps. She’s a force on stage, commanding attention and emotion with every single note.
Set, Lighting & Visuals
The staging of Bat Out of Hell is a dazzling, sensory explosion. The industrial, gritty set design brilliantly reflects the dystopian world, with clever use of space and movement to keep the energy high. Lighting plays a major role in building atmosphere—from moody blues to flashing reds and strobe sequences, it’s a visual treat.
One of the standout elements is the use of a live camera on stage, projecting close-ups and scenes in real time onto big screens, adding a cinematic layer to the production. It allows for a more intimate view of the performers even during the most frenetic scenes, and it really worked to pull the audience deeper into the world of the show.
The Music
And then… the music. Wow. It’s impossible not to feel a rush of nostalgia and excitement as the opening bars of each track begin. These are epic anthem - I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That), Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad, Dead Ringer for Love, You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth—everyone a belter. It’s hard not to sing along or tap your feet, and by the end of the show, you’ll find yourself itching to get on your feet and channel your inner Meat Loaf.
And yes—you will get the chance. The finale encourages the audience to stand up and rock out, and trust me, you won’t want to miss that moment.
Final Thoughts
The entire cast works together with an infectious sense of passion and cohesion. It’s a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously but also knows how to deliver big emotion, big vocals, and big fun.
This is a 13+ show for good reason—there is sexual content, some strong language, and violent scenes, all of which are in keeping with the gritty rock musical tone. Personally, I felt it would’ve been too mature for my nearly 11-year-old, but of course that depends on individual family preferences.
In summary? Bat Out of Hell – The Musical is sensational. I left the theatre feeling uplifted, energised, and honestly wishing I could see it all over again. That alone is the mark of a truly unforgettable show. While it’s in Milton Keynes - go and see it. You absolutely won’t regret it.
Bat out of Hell is on at
