Directed By: Jay Scheib
Cast:
Strat- Andrew Polec Raven- Christina Bennington Falco- Rob Fowler Sloane- Sharon Sexton Tink- Aran Macrae Zahara- Danielle Steers Jagwire- Dom Hartley- Harris Ledoux- Giovanni Spanó Blake- Patrick Sullivan Crysteva- Jemma Alexander Mordema- Emily Benjamin Batfish (on stage swing)- Stuart Boother Valkyrie- Georgia Carling Spinotti (on stage swing)- Natalie Chua Hollander- Jonathan Cordin Liebeswoosh- Amy Di Bartolomeo Krolocker (on stage swing)- Jorden Lee Davies Vanveeteren- Olly Dobson Vilmos (on stage swing)- Hannah Ducharme Astroganger (off stage swing)- Isaac Edwards Bessamey- Phoebe Hart Judge (off stage swing) Linus Henriksson Kwaidan- Rosalind James Lunarrow (off stage swing)- Kalene Jeans Denym- Michael Naylor Scherzzo- Eve Norris Markevitch- Tim Oxbrow Liberame (on stage swing)- Andrew Patrick- Walker Hoffman- Benjamin Purkiss O’Dessasuite- Anthony Selwyn Goddesilla (on stage swing)- Courtney Stapleton Esquivel- Ruben Van Keer
“I would do anything for love, but I won’t do that”
Nothing beats a spontaneous trip to the theatre for a good musical. While in London on Friday 4th August for our weekend at Summer in the City, Heather and myself decided to take a journey down to the Westend. Now we had already spoken about trying to get last minute show tickets and ran through our options, listing various musicals that we would want to see as well as naming some backup choices. But nevertheless, we decided that we would try and get tickets for Bat Out of Hell and Andrew Scotts Hamlet.
Seeing that you’ve seen the title of this post as well as the feature image, you know that we got the tickets. So that evening after a cocktail and some very yummy food, we headed to The Coliseum (no not the Italian one, the London one). Getting to the theatre around an hour early has its perks though. With no one at the merchandise stands or bar, we were able to get a programme and some merch as well as a drink before we headed to our seats. Obviously, this was not before we had a ride on the original bike, which was sat in the foyer.
So, onto the show. In all honesty, this was one which hadn’t really crossed my mind much. Sure I had seen it advertised on pages like WhatsOnStage and heard reviews on it saying how good of a play it was, but it never really grabbed my attention until that night.
The first thing to mention is the seats. Normally I would be drawn to sit in the stalls, but for this particular performance, Heather insisted that the Dress Circle was the best place to sit. Usually, I’m a bit apprehensive about high seats, mainly because I want to be able to see the actual show… But nevertheless, Heather was right and these were the best seats possible! You were able to see the entire stage and then some!
Now onto the show! You’re probably sat wondering what on earth this musical is about? Well fellow readers, this show is about rebels, love and rock music. Through the creative works of Jim Steinman, we are taken on a journey which explores the differences in class as well as the fight for love. The catch being, age. You’re probably now sat thinking ‘but this is a common issue in life’ well… this age issue is not quite the same. While there are those in this post-apocalyptic future who age as per normal, there are others who do not. Known as ‘The Lost’, a gang of forever 18-year-olds, rebel against the chief, Falco.
Now while I’d love to mention every single actor and their characters as well as the crew, I fear that we’d be here for the rest of the year if so. I would like to start with the crew, including orchestra, lighting, costume department and staging (this isn’t everyone I promise, just a few I picked out to talk about)
So the orchestra. With musicals, especially ones using pre-existing songs, there is a worry that the numbers will not live up to their potential. This was not the case for Bat Out of Hell. With each song that they performed, Steinman’s numbers were honoured in every way possible! While the actors may have sung them to a tee, the orchestra belted out true classics. Piano and guitar rocked the auditorium with exceptional notes and amazing riffs (if that’s the right word).
The costumes were creatively done. Although minimalistic, they were able to show the difference between ‘The Lost’ and Falco’s family. While Sloane (Raven’s mother) wore slim fitting pencil skirts and dresses, members of the lost wore more tattered and ragged looking clothes along with fishnet tights and black Doc Martins. Main characters, Raven and Strat went through very few costume changes, with two or three occurring on stage. At the beginning of the show, Strat loses his red vest top, in which becomes a dress for Raven shortly after. One main change we see Raven go through is a black dress during the second act which is done off stage. The costumes and makeup were well thought out and used to help tie the story together.
The set and staging itself were so beautifully constructed. Although the floor was jaggered and raised in areas, it was effectively used. In a rocky area in the downstage, left section of the stage was a small pond/lake/water thing. At first, I was unsure as to what this was for, or that it was even there, to be honest, but it all became clearer later on. The use of levels within the play was amazing as well. On a higher level, was Raven’s bedroom, behind glass to make the essence of a high rise room even more effective. The same can be said for a higher section of ‘The Lost’s’ lair. Falco towers also double up as a bar for the gang, which is decorated in a classic American style, with a long bar counter with high stools. While we are talking about Falco, it is important to mention the car, which is used. The use of it and how it is hidden is extremely well done. At first, I was not expecting it, but when it was revealed I was utterly shocked. Overal, the set amazed me by its pure beauty and its technical ability.
Linking in with the set was the lighting and technology used. Something that I found truly stunning was the transformation between the outside and Falco’s living room. To do this, they used a simple lighting change to make the flooring a marbled effect. You were able to forget about the rough surface of the outside and believe you were in a well-decorated house. As well as lighting, the technical mechanics used was outstanding. To be able to show the activities in Raven’s room (wipe those smirks off your faces, you know what I mean), on stage camera’s were used to film inside the room, and then projected onto a large screen, as shown in the photo above.
Onto the play and the acting itself. The opening of the show saw Strat joined on stage by two other members of The Lost. What I liked about this particular opening is that it happened before the show itself actually kicked off. This not only gives the actors a chance to really get into their character and quickly adapt their starting positions but also for the audience to have something to talk about. I certainly was sat there thinking, ‘who are these people? what are they doing? Is this the start of the show and have they just forgotten to turn the lights down?’ However, these thoughts are soon interrupted by the actual beginning of the play.
Although I didn’t know every number which was performed, the musical ability of each member of the cast was exceptional! Particular numbers which I loved were ‘You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth’, ‘I’d Do Anything For Love’, ‘Paradise By the Dashboard Lights’, ‘Object in the Rearview Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are’ and of course ‘Bat Out of Hell’. While most of these are in the second act, it does not say anything about the numbers which was sung in the first. All the songs in this musical were amazingly produced by the cast.
“But it was long ago and it was far away, oh God it seems so very far And if life is just a highway, then the soul is just a car”
‘Objects in the Rearview Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are’ had me in tears nearly! And I very very rarely cry at shows. But this emotional performance allowed us to explore deeper of some of the ensemble. Each member of the ensemble, was able to bring a new level to the songs, adding deeper emotion where needed, and more rock too.
In ‘Paradise By the Dashboard Lights’ Sharon Sexton and Rob Fowler were able to express the urgency and need for each other as well as their love. This upbeat song, performed mainly in the car, showed the passionate, and sexual tension that Sloane and Falcon clearly shared when they were young. While in ‘What Part of My Body Hurt’s the Most’ (cue the tears) they showed us the pain and suffering that each was experiencing. This, once again, emotion song hurt to watch. Seeing a marriage crumble due to differences of opinion is hard for anyone to sit and watch.
It’s important to mention at this point, the amazing Raven (Christina Bennington). Her character seemed at first a very Juliet like character, and while there are slight resemblances of the famous Shakespeare play within the show, she was extremely different. As an 18-year-old, it is clear that Raven want’s to explore the world and try new things, as any teenager should! Go! Live your life and be free little birds!! Christina was able to capture this, showing us a rebellious side as well as one of innocence and purity. Being stuck in Falco tower for most of her life, she was rarely able to experience the outside world. It is only through the raids and protests by ‘The Lost’ that she has glimpses of something more exciting. We see her pain and heartache, due to unforeseen circumstances, through ‘It’s All Coming Back to Me Now’.
“There were night’s when the wind was so cold, That my body froze in bed if I just listened to it right outside the window”
Most popularly known by the Celine Dion version, the song was originally written by Jim Steinman for Meatloaf to perform on Bat Out of Hell III. Christina was able to perform this flawlessly, sending shivers down my spine and once again bringing tears to my eyes. The moving lyrics, sung beautifully showed us the struggles Raven was going through.
We have spoken about the lady of the hour, and now it’s time for our main man. Andrew Polec (Strat) safely not only stole the heart of Raven but also of the audience. This bad boy leader of ‘The Lost’ is our pivotal epicentre to this earthquake of rock. Polec was able to bring to the stage, a young man utterly smitten by this girl, as well as someone who is willing to fight for what they deserve. As well as this, his vocal abilities were…. speechless! Every note that this talented young actor hit blew me away! His performance as Strat is one which will stay with me forever.
“Well I can see myself tearing up the road, faster Than any other boy has ever gone”
Of course, the one song which was long anticipated was ‘Bat Out of Hell’. Having only heard the shorter version before, it’s safe to say I was a tad confused as to the extended part. But this still didn’t take away from the amazing experience. Without giving too much away, the whole sequence was emotional and high in energy! One particular part, saw a heart being made above Strat’s head from… let’s say mechanical parts. I. Was. STUNNED! To the point where, by the end of the song, I was sat on the edge of my seat, mouth wide open with the lady and gent to my left wondering if I was okay. Heather on the other hand, totally understood.
So let’s round up! This play was… well there are no words to describe it really! (although I have tried to here in this review) This energetic, fun, emotional and rocking show is definitely a must see! If you are into the music and talents of Jim Steinman or not, you will enjoy this no matter what! With only a few days left in the Westend before they take this masterpiece to Toronto, I am sure that all the cast and crew will nail their performances in both countries once more. If tickets are still available please do go see this if you are looking for a fantastic night out!
I would like to take this moment to thank Andrew Polec, Christina Bennington, Sharon Sexton, Danielle Steers and Giovanni Spanó for taking time after the show, to come to stage door and sign our programmes as well as taking photos with not only Heather and myself but also those who attended once the show was done. We know that is it not a priority to do stage door and that you wish to head home to rest your voices and relax (or go out and celebrate another fantastic performance), so to be able to spend just 20 minutes with those fans, is truly an honour.
★★★★★
By Natalie Midwinter.
If you wish to have a read from another perspective please check out Heather’s review here.
Review Time!- Bat Out of Hell (WARNING CONTAINS ‘SPOILERS’) Directed By: Jay Scheib Cast: Strat- Andrew Polec Raven- Christina Bennington Falco- Rob Fowler Sloane- Sharon Sexton…
