The Jim Steinman-Meatloaf extravaganza brings back paradise by the stage boards lights through this updated version – currently playing across the UK until the end of next summer. Guillermo Nazara chats with its lead actress, to learn all the fun facts about this new take on the jukebox classic, and her reunion with a role that’s all coming back to her now.
How does it feel to be starring in this new version of one of the most popular rock musicals in the last few years?
It’s really exciting – especially returning to the show. I’m such a big fan of its score, and what Meatloaf and Jim Steinman created together. I think it’s very exhilarating to have a reimagined version of it that people haven’t seen yet. It’s based on the Arena Spectacular and it’s going to look so great! I really can’t wait to sink my teeth into its amazing songs all through the run!
What’s new in this production in comparison to its previous versions?
I don’t want to give too much away… But I will say that it leads more towards rock concert elements, as opposed to just a musical.
You’re landing this role after starring in the Bonnie & Clyde tour. What differences do you find, from both an acting and vocal perspective, between the two?
First, the were more country and vaudeville elements in the Bonnie & Clyde score, so it was more of a crossover in terms of style. Also, the book was a lot of bigger – the scenes were juicier and a great deal of the story was recounted through them. Bat Out Of Hell is very different: the book is considerably shorter, and the action is concentrated in its old-school 80s-rock score. It’s very theatrical, anyway – but it definitely leans towards that genre and era. That makes it very different in terms of where to place my voice. With Bonnie, I could hint some rock, but it was all combined with an overall country twang. Here, it’s a more authentic rock style.
What has the process of preparing for the role been like?
The good thing is that I’ve played this part before – so it’s very nice to come back to a place that feels familiar. I guess I knew the ropes a little bit. When it comes to vocal preparation, luckily enough, I was doing Lizzie The Musical right before jumping into this one – so there were loads of punk rock requirements. That’s actually helped a lot to keep up my stamina hitting those big notes! A great deal of it is just repetition: the more you do it, the easier it gets – thanks to muscle memory, too. During the rehearsal process, you also learn how hard it can get – and how tired you will get by the time you get to do the show!
Are you bringing anything new to this takeover?
It’s quite hard to know. When I played this role before, I was the understudy. When you’re covering a part, it’s very hard to get many details – you’re thrown right into it, and you haven’t hard that many rehearsals; you basically spend all your time learning the tracks. From playing the first time, I got loads of questions about the character. With the help of our director, I’ve tried to add some new layers that are part of that world. There may be some elements of Bonnie in my own take. I love how emotionally reactive she is, and how she isn’t afraid to say what she thinks. She longs for freedom and to be loved, so she’s very cool to play!
Do you find any particular challenges in this role?
I feel like this one is quite relentless. Act One is quite calm for my role, but when you get to Act Two, it gets very intense! All the big songs take place, and right by the end you still need to be ready for It’s All Coming Back To Me! Everyone is waiting for that moment – so no pressure! (laughs) It’s also a very physical role: you need to be jumping and moving around all the time.
If you had to give me one single reason to come watch Bat Out of Hell, which one would it be?
The cast is incredible. There’s no one person on that stage that isn’t spectacular. So wherever you look, you will see magic.
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Bat Out of Hell is currently on tour across the UK. Tickets and venues are available on the following link.
One response to “Katie Tonkinson talks new touring production of ‘Bat Out of Hell’: “Wherever you look, you will see magic””
Guillermo what’s the name of the PR company for Titanic? Also if I were to send Jim an example of your recent work, what would you recommend? Maybe you can even just send it to me and I’ll forward it to him.
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