REVIEW: Bat Out of Hell – King’s Theatre, Glasgow

Book, Music and Lyrics: Jim Steinman

Director: Jay Scheib

There’s no denying that Jim Steinman can write a tune, boy can he do that, and the saving grace of this musical is the fantastically performed music, but as to his ability in writing the book for a coherent and cohesive modern musical…err…no. You can’t help think that his music would have been better served by a more sure-handed script writer.

Loosely (very loosely) based on Peter Pan, Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell is set in the post-apocalyptic,  dystopian city of Obsidian where Strat, the leader of “The Lost” a tribe of forever teenagers that roam the abandoned subway tunnels, falls for Raven, the daughter of tyrannical ruler Falco. Needless to say the path of true love doesn’t run smoothly.

Now all that said, there is little chance that you would pick up on the storyline from the shambolic and at times, cringe-inducing script delivered on stage.

One of the largest issues with the production is the use of hand-held mics. At first it appears that there have been technical issues that have necessitated their use, but no, this is a directorial choice as there are clearly head mics and wired mics on show too. While it could be argued that it’s to evoke a more rock concert vibe, frankly, it’s infuriatingly distracting as actors pass mics from hand to hand and from one to another, it detracts from immersing you in the story and hinders the choreography.

The multi-levelled staging is pretty much fixed, with props occasionally moving in and out, the live band are raised on the top level of the set along with Raven’s bedroom, the sewer tunnels making up the lower level. The lighting, as befits a dystopian city, is dark and moody.

The most positive aspect of the whole endeavour is the music, delivered with the amps turned to 11, by a well-drilled live band. The vocals are universally excellent, in particular Luke Street who shines as Strat and Ryan Carter as Jagwire.

If you’re looking for a musical with a fantastically gripping storyline then this maybe isn’t the show for you, but for heart-pounding music, delivered with energy and commitment from a first class band and cast, then get along to Bat Out of Hell.

Runs until 12 April 2025 | Image: Chris Davis Studio 2