When a musical theatre performance starts with dozens of Harley Davidson motorcycles rocking up outside the theatre and saluting the queuing crowd by revving their engines you know you're in for a good, albeit unusual, time.
And as much as I love the Wyvern, after taking a short trip from Swindon down the M4 to Bristol, that's exactly what I got with Bat Out Of Hell at the Bristol Hippodrome.
The show lovingly brought to life the iconic anthems of Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf by assembling a cast of singers with incredible rock and roll belts and having them fly through them at a rollercoaster pace.
The two leads playing Strat and Raven in particular, Glen Adamson and Martha Kirby were not only extremely easy on the ears but also elevated the whole thing with their commitment to characterisation.
Alongside the admirably powerful performances from everyone on stage, there were strobe lights, incredibly loud noises, disco balls filling the auditorium with light, pyrotechnics and confetti cannons and a video screen and live cameraman showing angles of performances you wouldn't usually be able to see onstage.
It's clear that a lot of money has been spent on the set and staging to make it look as good and as distinctly unique as possible and consequently, the audience was treated to a stage show unlike any other that I've seen, and I've seen quite a few.
But while all of that was great, I did find the story to be slightly grating and nonsensical. Like We Will Rock You, Bat Out Of Hell is a musical that simply wanted to get as many hits in as it could so said 'that'll do' to the narrative - a clumsy post-apocalyptic, retelling of Peter Pan.
Normally this would be enough to put me off - but I didn't mind it all that much in the end. I don't know why, either I've mellowed as I've gotten older or perhaps the passing of the legendary singer whose songs populate the show led to a greater appreciation. Either way I left having had a really good time.
And ultimately it's a reverence for Meat Loaf that makes this show can't-miss. I certainly wouldn't have described myself as a fan of his and I enjoyed it, so those who are huge fans will absolutely love it.
Bat Out Of Hell is playing at the Bristol Hippodrome until August 20 - You can get tickets here - https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/bat-out-of-hell/bristol-hippodrome/
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