Bat Out of Hell: The Musical – A Theatrical Inferno with Heart

Bat Out of Hell: The Musical roars back onto the stage at Leicester’s Curve Theatre with all the bombast, drama, and operatic rock energy you’d expect from a show built around Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s iconic music.

But what truly sets this production apart is not just the sheer scale of its ambition—it’s the heart and soul powering every performance.

Picture credit: Chris Davis

The musical, playing in Leicester until Saturday (June 14), is loosely inspired by “Peter Pan” and set in a dystopian future where a group of teenagers, “The Lost,” live in disused subway tunnels. The story follows Strat (Glenn Adamson) the leader of The Lost, who falls in love with Raven, the daughter of the city’s tyrannical leader, Falco. Falco, driven by his ambition to build new housing, wants to destroy The Lost’s home.

The musical explores themes of love, rebellion, and freedom against a backdrop of rock anthems from Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s music.

A standout moment for me came early in the show with the ensemble number “Out of the Frying Pan (and into the Fire).” The infectious energy was impossible to resist—the cast’s joy radiated from the stage in a way that pulled the audience into their world completely. Harmonically, it was one of the strongest numbers of the night, with pitch-perfect vocals delivered in flawless sync. It was a true showcase of the ensemble’s talent and spirit.

Veteran cast member Sharon Sexton is, quite simply, magnificent as Sloane. Having played the role since the show’s 2017 inception, her experience shows in every commanding moment she’s on stage. Her vocals are soaring and effortless, filled with gravitas and emotion. Paired with Joshua Dever as Falco, the two form a dynamic and emotionally rich duo. Their chemistry is electric, and they bring both humour and heartbreak to their scenes together.

Their performance of “What Part of My Body Hurts the Most” remains a deeply moving high point. I recall being deeply affected by this number when I first saw the show years ago in London (with Falco played by Rob Fowler), and that emotional connection was just as potent in last night’s performance. Eight years on, the climax of this ballad still hit me hard—raw, honest, and soul-stirring.

Picture credit: Chris Davis

Glenn Adamson, as the enigmatic and high-octane Strat, brings a magnetic intensity to the stage. His physicality is awe-inspiring—lunging, leaping, and never still for a second, all while delivering incredibly demanding vocals. Songs like “Bat Out of Hell” and “For Crying Out Loud” require nothing short of total commitment, and Adamson throws his entire being into them. His performance is both unique and utterly compelling—I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

And then there’s Raven—a sweet, ethereal presence in contrast to Stratt’s wild energy. While the role, played by Sophie-Rose Emery, might not have the same vocal firepower, it adds a softness and vulnerability that grounds the show’s more fantastical elements.

In all, Bat Out of Hell is as much a rock concert as it is a musical, and this production captures that spirit with breathtaking precision. With powerhouse performances, emotionally resonant ballads, and electrifying choreography, it’s a theatrical experience that stays with you long after the final notes fade.