Bat Out Of Hell

Bat Out Of Hell's 2025 UK Tour arrived at Peterborough's New Theatre last night, giving audiences the chance to celebrate the legendary music of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf. The show uses these timeless songs to tell a story loosely based on Peter Pan, set in the dystopian city of Obsidian. We follow 'The Lost', a group of eternally young outcasts, as they fight back against the maniacal tyrant Falco.

The wider arc is driven by three key romantic pairings and the inter-character relationships they share. The first pairing is Strat and Raven, perfectly portrayed by Glenn Adamson and Katie Tonkinson. As the show’s protagonists, many of the biggest numbers naturally fell to this duo, who performed them effortlessly. Adamson, reprising his role as Strat, brings the grit and leadership the character demands, while Tonkinson flawlessly shifts between rock and classical vocal styles, reflecting Raven’s journey. It is difficult to pick a single standout moment, but Katie Tonkinson’s poignant rendition of It’s All Coming Back to Me Now and Glenn Adamson’s performance during the title track Bat Out of Hell deserve special mention.

The next key pairing is Falco and Sloane, played by theatrical power couple Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton, both reprising long-term roles. The chemistry between them is palpable, electric yet authentic. Their vocal range and adaptability are astonishing, allowing them to navigate the emotional depth and humour of songs like Paradise by the Dashboard Light and What Part of My Body Hurts the Most.

The final pairing is Zahara and Jagwire, portrayed by Georgia Bradshaw and Ryan Carter. Their story of unrequited love intertwines with the broader narrative, linking Falco and The Lost. Bradshaw and Carter impress with their versatility, moving seamlessly between soulful ballads such as Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad and rockier numbers like Dead Ringer for Love.