Holy smokes, it's Batman Live
A vast and dark, rain splattered metropolis, blaring Police sirens and an unhappy populous...
No not the average bus ride through Gorton
but Gotham City home of Batman.
From next week Manchester audiences will have the privilege of being transported to the grimy DC landscape, when the new Batman Live premières at the MEN arena on the 19th July.
Three years in production the stage show brings together Batman and his boy wonder, Robin, in a truly original story starring the Joker, Catwoman, the Riddler, and a whole host of other super-villains from the DC comic's world.
For five nights the Evening News Arena will be transformed into Gotham City, with cutting edge special effects, circus performers and state-of-the-art production, creating a truly memorable event that executive producer, Nick Grace, describes as 'an animated 3D comic coming to life on stage'.
“It's just under three years ago that I went to Warner Brothers and pitched for a Batman live show, and it's been moving forward ever since then,” explains Grace.
“It has never been done before and I’ve been producing in arenas for quite a few years now. I wanted to find an iconic brand that would appeal to families and adults alike, and I think that Batman is at the top of the list.”
Following the story of Robin's transformation from acrobat to crime-fighter, audiences will also witness the death of Bruce Wayne’s parents and the circumstances that made him Batman.
A fan of the original 1960's Adam West TV show as a child, Grace reveals that he has a penchant for the super-villains the Dark Knight must face throughout the show.
“The story revolves around Batman and Robin, Joker and Catwoman, but there is a full supporting cast including Penguin and Harley Quinn. I love them as they all have amazing back stories, and they are what make Batman look so fantastic. The greater the villain the better it is for Batman.”
“Batman is so rich in possibilities, there are so many villains that we had to think what is the main arc of our story? The origins of Robin, going from a circus performer to crime fighter, will introduce Robin to a new generation, as he hasn't been in the movies for quite a while. Also it gave us the ability to set some of the scenes in the Haley Circus, which is great in an arena setting.”
With the action unfolding across the iconic surroundings of Wayne Manor, Arkham Asylum and the Batcave, fans lucky enough to have secured a Gotham City seat will be sat amongst the thick of the action, literally seated within the set itself.
“The Gotham City seats are up close and personal, you are immersed in the action as soon as you arrive in the arena. We have constructed a massive 100 foot stage that comes out into the audience, and as you enter there is a soundscape of Police sirens, and a huge video wall.”
The best in the business have been compiled to make the comic’s dark vision a reality. Creative Director, Anthony Van Laast, has three decades of experience in Broadway and West End theatre. While the stage design is the brain-child of Es Devlin, the award-winning stage and costume designer behind the tours of Lady Gaga, Kanye West and Take That.
“With Batman Live we’re the only family touring show in the UK this summer. There’s nothing else in arenas on this kind of scale. It’s a totally unique experience,” says the executive producer.
“To open in Manchester is great, I love the Manchester audience and the city is synonymous with world premières these days. We have a five year world tour and we don't expect to be back in Manchester for at least four years, so catch it while you can.”
Thanks to Batman Live you need not miss out on the visual extravaganza. To be in with a chance of winning 2 tickets to Tuesday’s première, simply register for our online magazine and wait for the Batphone to ring!
By Adam Yare
A message from our cometition winner...
Well batman last night was fantastic, thanks again, my son was on the end of his seat all night only taking his eyes away to grab the sweets we had smuggled in. it was a great night it almost even turned into a pantomime at times with people shouting out, just stopping short of screaming the jokers behind you. I am all bruised up from my son beating me in the style of catwomen on the train home.
Cheers
Jay Rennie
