Review – Bat Out of Hell the Musical – Congress Theatre, Eastbourne 

From the moment that the lights dim, and the eight-piece rock band roars into life on the raised stage, Bat Out of Hell delivers exactly what fans of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf crave – an electrifying plunge into epic sound, defiant energy, and a spectacle that pulsates. 

While this reimagined touring production takes a more stripped-back approach than earlier, more lavish, incarnations, it does so with style and boldness. The stage, featuring multi-level platforms and an on-stage band, captures the rock-opera aesthetic with authenticity and flair, but keeps the focus firmly on the incredible power of the music.

At the centre of the story is Katie Tonkinson as Raven, and she is nothing short of phenomenal. Her powerhouse vocals and emotional resonance bring genuine depth to the character, especially in moments like Heaven Can Wait, transforming each note into an experience rather than just a tune. Opposite her, Glenn Adamson embodies Strat with raw energy and rock-star charisma that crackles with rebellion. He perfectly personifies the fearless, rebellious leader of the Lost, a wild, passionate youth who embodies eternal defiance and rock-and-roll romance. 

Returning favourites Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton deliver superb performances as Falco and Sloane, Raven’s wealthy but dysfunctional parents, who struggle with their crumbling marriage while trying to control their rebellious daughter. Their on-stage chemistry really ignites the show’s emotional spark in numbers like Paradise by the Dashboard Light. Supporting the lead characters with unlimited enthusiasm throughout the production, the supporting ensemble bring robust energy and precise choreography with them, ensuring that nothing feels underdone. 

The audience has come knowing they’re in for Bat Out of Hell’s iconic, bombastic score, and this tour doesn’t disappoint. Anthem after anthem rocks the house, from Bat Out of Hell and I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) to Dead Ringer for Love, each performance lands with the force of a lightning strike. The eight-piece band is mix-perfect, delivering loud and immersive sound while still allowing every vocal nuance to shine, a testament to finely tuned live engineering. 

Yes, the sets are intentionally simplified—eschewing grand machinery for minimalist design, yet this “less is more” approach underscores the raw rock heart of the show. Platforms, video screens, state-of-the-art lighting, and the band’s presence replace more opulent visuals, crafting an immersive, musical-first experience. 

This shift doesn’t detract; it propels. The energy remains frenetic, and despite a tighter focus, the world of Obsidian and the Lost still comes alive through music, movement, and killer performances. The audience responds with passion and the show’s spirit feels alive, because it’s driven by performers who know how to deliver rock musical thrills. 

Bat Out of Hell – The Musical is a triumph of theatrical rock energy. Supercharged and emotionally direct with an electrifying cast, soaring vocals, and the raw, unrelenting power of Jim Steinman’s legendary score. A truly exhilarating ride from start to finish. 

****  Four Stars