Andrew Polec to Leave London Production of BAT OUT OF HELL
by Best of Theatre Staff on Tuesday 14 August 2018, 12:12 pm
Bat Out Of Hell - The Musical's lead Andrew Polec, who plays the character of 'forever young' Strat, is leaving the West End production of the show. Polec, who won the 'Joe Allen Best West End Debut' in the Stage Debut Awards 2017 for his performance as Strat, has been involved in the show since the beginning. He commented:
"Bat Out of Hell - The Musical has changed my life - it’s a true gift. I've never felt so warmly welcomed and loved by so many thoughtful, generous people who hold Jim Steinman and Meat’s music so close to their hearts. It's been an honour being part of this show, and phenomenal to work with this amazing cast and team. Plus - I get to sing this brilliant music night after night for the best fans in the world!
“During the Dominion’s first preview, we were met with a full standing ovation. As I walked onto the stage, I thought the roof of the theatre was going to blow off. As Steinman says ‘I was lost, till you were found’. ‘For Crying Out Loud’, I love you all and I’ll miss you dearly. I’m eternally grateful, thank you. Keep rocking and loving - I will always carry you in my heart." - Andrew Polec
Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical wowed critics and public alike when it played limited seasons at Manchester Opera House, London Coliseum and Toronto’s Ed Mirvish Theatre in 2017, and has been seen by over 650,000 people to date. It began previews at its latest home the legendary Dominion Theatre on Monday 2 April, with a gala performance on 19t April 2018. It is now booking through to 5 January 2019.
Andrew Polec's final show starring in the UK version of the musical at The Dominion, London will be on Saturday 1 September 2018. Tickets are available here. More exciting news about Andrew will be announced shortly and his replacement will be announced in the coming days.
Bat Out Of Hell became one of the best-selling albums in history, selling over 50 million copies worldwide. 16 years later, Steinman scored again with Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell, which contained the massive hit ‘I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)’. For the stage musical, the legendary and award-winning Jim Steinman has incorporated iconic songs from the Bat Out Of Hell albums, including You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth, Bat Out Of Hell, I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That) and Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad, as well as two previously unreleased songs, What Part of My Body Hurts the Most and Not Allowed to Love.
Jim Steinman’s Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical is a romantic adventure about rebellious youth and passionate love, set against the backdrop of a post-cataclysmic city adrift from the mainland. Strat, the forever young leader of The Lost, has fallen for Raven, daughter of Falco, the tyrannical, ruler of Obsidian. It scooped the 'Evening Standard Radio 2 Audience Award' for Best Musical in 2017.
Bat Out Of Hell - The Musical has book, music and lyrics by Jim Steinman, direction by Jay Scheib, choreography by Emma Portner, with musical supervision and additional arrangements by Michael Reed, set design by Jon Bausor, costume design by Jon Bausor and Meentje Nielsen, video design by Finn Ross, lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, sound design by Gareth Owen, orchestration by Steve Sidwell, casting by David Grindrod CDG, fight direction by Stuart Boother and musical direction by Robert Emery.
Jim Steinman’s Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical is produced by David Sonenberg, Michael Cohl, Randy Lennox & Tony Smith.