Revved-Up, Rocked-Out, and Totally Bonkers – In the Best Way!
On Monday night (16/06), Milton Keynes was transported into a wild, explosive world of motorbikes, leather, and full-throttle rock anthems and I absolutely LOVED it! Bat Out of Hell was an adrenaline-fuelled rollercoaster from start to finish, and I still can’t quite believe how over-the-top (and brilliant!) it all was.
I’ll be honest. I wasn’t sure what to expect going in. I knew and loved Meat Loaf (who doesn’t?) but I didn’t expect this. What I got was part rock concert and part love story (although not much of a story) but despite the lack of storyline, somehow, it all worked. It was brilliant! A show I would see again!
From the opening number, the energy was through the roof. The cast came out all guns blazing, and it didn’t let up for a second. The music was LOUD (in the best way), the lights were dazzling, and the whole show was gloriously rebellious with a gothic edge.
Glenn Adamson as Strat was electric. He had this wild-eyed intensity that completely suited the role, and his vocals were just wow. He belted out those monster ballads like his life depended on it. My favourite was “I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)”, which had the entire theatre absolutely spellbound. Katie Tonkinson as Raven was incredible. Her voice was stunning – soaring, powerful, and packed with emotion. The chemistry between them was fire (sometimes literally!).
The supporting cast were just as strong! Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton as Raven’s parents brought this brilliant mix of drama and comedy, and their duet of “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” was hilarious and had the audience in stitches. The choreography was bold, sometimes chaotic (in a good way), and full of attitude. The ensemble never missed a beat, and their energy was infectious.
And can we talk about the set design! My jaw was on the floor. Giant screens, flames, bikes, amazing design, it was all there. At one point, there was a live camera feed being projected onstage as a character sang in a bedroom. It was clever, unexpected, and gave it a sort of gritty, cinematic edge that really worked with the dystopian vibe.
Of course, the heart and soul of this show is the music. Those iconic anthems – “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad,” and “Bat Out of Hell” were delivered with such power and passion that the whole audience was on their feet by the end. I’m still humming them today.
Honestly, I left the theatre feeling like I’d just experienced something completely mad but totally unforgettable. It was bold, it was loud, it was dramatic, and it was pure, unapologetic rock-and-roll musical theatre.
So, if you’re in Milton Keynes this week and want a night out that is unlike anything else – Bat Out of Hell is your ticket.
Grab your leather jacket, hold on tight, and prepare to be blown away!
This performance is at Milton Keynes Theatre until 28th June 2025. Tickets are available from £15.00 (+ £3.95 transaction fee), General bookings: 0844 871 7615, Access bookings:0333 009 5399, Group bookings:0207 206 1174 or online.
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