Batman Live Holy Premier! FEATURE

The world's most popular DC Superhero, Batman, as you've never seen him before, as he takes to the stage in the long-awaited live action show. BritEvents' Amanda Arnold is at the world premier and after show party to see if it is up to 'holy expectations, Batman!'

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By Amanda Arnold, BritEvents.com

For the first time ever, with a rare attempt to bring a theatrical production to an arena, the Batman Live World Premier took place last night at the MEN Arena in Manchester.

This fast moving, action packed show kicked off without a hitch, and no-one would have known that during rehearsals last week the fantastic Batmobile crashed on stage and damaged part of the Gotham City set.

The awesome looking Batmobile, designed by Formula One's Gordon Murray, was replaced by a second car that was on display at The Printworks complex in Manchester city centre.

The show, which has been trying to shrug off any comparisons with the Broadway flop Spider-man, is not a musical and very cleverly uses high trapeze acrobatics, circus acts, magic and mind blowing back screen animations on a stage sized screen to bring to life this multi-million pound stage production.

The show tells the story of Dick Grayson, the son of circus performers The Flying Graysons who were murdered by an organised crime unit run by The Joker.

Dick then sets out on a quest for justice which leads him to the mysterious caped crusader Batman. Together the vigilate couple set about ridding Gotham city of super-villains, The Joker, The Penguin, Catwoman, The Riddler, Two Face, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy.

The story line started off slowly as the characters were introduced and the plotline set, but with the fantastic scenery, outlandish costumes and Cirque De Soleil like acts I sat in this world premier show watching a production unveil itself infront of my eyes, a production which, in my opinion, is award deserving.

I have never really been a fan of this comic book duo, but that all changed as of last night when I witnessed some of the best effects I have ever seen in an arena including the Batmobile, the cannon and bazooka pyrotechnics, The Joker who popped up in a fantastically over sized Jack-in-the-box and of course Batman himself.

The costumes were amazing and completely in tune with those from the recent Batman movies. In fact Batman's was so extravagant, that I think there will be some seriously jealous wanna-be Batmen in the audience! Actually I saw a few.

From the team behind the award-winning Walking With Dinosaurs, which accounts for the dinosaur which pops up during the performance, this spectacular action packed show brings together dare devil stunt work, illusions, lifesize screeching cars and a giant video wall with flash panels from the comic strip projected on stage throughout the whole performance, making this show a cut above the rest.

Batman Live is most certainly going to be a hit and I would definitely be taking my children to see this. I look forward to watching their faces when Batman and Catwoman have a midair slow motion fight reminiscent of the film The Matrix and the Hot air Balloon carrying The joker sets on fire and crashes on stage near the end of the show.

Following this live action show, BritEvents.com were invited to the glitzy after party at the Manchester Cathedral, which at first I thought was a bit strange, but in fact it turned out to be the most perfect venue with it's Gothic atmosphere and eerie lighting. Great food, a free bar and a live band rounded off a perfect night!

I was surprised how much I loved this show and I would recommend everyone to go and see it. BritEvents.com have Batman Live tickets available for all the forthcoming performances, so swoop to our ticket page and compare our prices.

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