40 years since the album become one of the most iconic of all time, Bat Out of Hell has rocked its way into the London Coliseum. But what have critics had to say about it so far?
The Guardian: **** ” The best musicals have a compelling storyline, thrilling stage pictures and astonishing sounds. This show completely lacks the first, but what swagger and songs it has.”
WhatsOnStage: **** “a night that will make your jaw drop, your heart soar and have you singing along. Would I lie to you? I would do anything for musical theatre, but I won’t do that.”
The Telegraph: **** “Yet to focus on its evident weaknesses, which extend in Jay Scheib’s pumped-up, pyrotechnics-loaded, Max Mad-fashioned production to some iffy video-work, is to miss the life-affirming point.”
The Stage: **** “Bonkers it may be but, hell, it’s pretty brilliant too.”
The Reviews Hub: ***** “this shot of pure joy, produced with such energy, electricity and enthusiasm is exactly what the West End needs.”
Rewrite This Story: **** “Now this definitely isn’t a masterpiece of musical theatre but it is a jaw-dropping spectacle that really has to be seen to be believed.”
Time Out: *** “Steinman’s quasi-operatic ballads have their moments, and at best they’re a histrionic joy. At worst they kind of sound like yr local Dungeons & Dragons club trying to write a Springsteen song.”
Carn’s Theatre Passion: ***** “This theatrical event is one not to be missed.”
London Theatre1: ***** “All things considered, this is a lively, loud and loveable production.”
London Theatre.co.uk: *** “this is a rock gig hybrid, full of spectacular sets and set pieces, flashing lights and actual fire”
The Arts Desk: “The saving grace is that you’re never more than about four minutes away from another giga-ballad or monstrous rocker, and the music is huge and confident enough to carry the story.”
West End Theatre Guide: ***** “Bat Out of Hell is a masterclass of stunning set design and lighting effects, a showcase of outstanding acting and singing talent, with a thrilling score – an epic musical extravaganza which is spectacular, wonderfully over the top, and decadent!”
Theatre Cat: “Jay Scheib’s production is a technical spectacular, Jon Bausor leading the design, and wild exuberant choreography by Emma Portner.”
Theatre Weekly: ***** “Ain’t no doubt about it, this is one big budget, epic extravaganza with a strong sense of the cinematic in the staging.”
Evening Standard: **** “Forty years on from its release, Meat Loaf’s most famous album gets the blazing operatic treatment it undoubtedly deserves.”
Bat Out of Hell is now booking at the London Coliseum until the 5th August. To book tickets visit: Ticketmaster.co.uk, Discount Theatre.com, Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk, See Tickets.com ,Love Theatre.com, Theatre People.com and UK Tickets.co.uk.