Review: Batman Live at Birmingham NIA

Batman Live

NIA, Birmingham

In the old days it used to be the norm for popular TV shows to be given the big screen treatment – but now an arena adaptation is just as likely.

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And what an adaptation this is. Following hot on the heels of big budget presentations like Doctor Who Live and Walking with Dinosaurs Live comes Batman Live, which brings the popular DC Comics superhero to Birmingham's NIA.

The visually stunning, action-packed show sees crime-fighting duo Batman and Robin take on the worst of Gotham City's underworld, including The Joker, The Riddler, The Penguin, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn in a two-hour show, which transports the audience from the Big Top of Haly's Circus and the Penguin's Iceberg Lounge to the depths of Arkham Asylum and the Batcave.

The story focuses on young circus performer Dick Grayson's quest for justice after his parents are murdered at the orders of The Joker.

Seeking solace with millionaire Bruce Wayne, he looks for inspiration to his hero Batman – much to the dismay of his protective guardian who, unbeknown to the Boy Wonder, spends his nights as the mysterious vigilante fighting crime on Gotham's mean streets.

Trapeze artists practised their skills for three months in preparation for the spectacular show, which is due to run until Sunday.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the set, providing a 3D Gotham City landscape, complete with buildings and animation on a 100ft-tall bat-shaped video screen which brought the pages of the comic book to life as the action moved from scene to scene.

The Batmobile designed by Formula 1 engineer Professor Gordon Murray did not disappoint the diverse audience.

Batman is being played by 31-year-old Sam Heughan, from Scotland, who said he needed three months training to perfect the high flying stunts in the play. Actors also attended a bootcamp where they learned wrestling and Brazilian street fighting and circus acrobatics.

"I think when you come into the room its like you're sat in Gotham City," said Mr Heughan.

Mark Frost, aged 42, originally from Longbridge, who is playing the Joker, said: "Warner Brothers and DC have had a lot of imput in the show and the make up has been designed around their original artwork."

Young and old turned out to enjoy the show. Among them was six-year-old Charlie George Firman from Kinver.

His mother Maggie from Dunsley Road said: "He is a massive Batman fan so it was a real treat. The set was just unbelievable."

Batman fans can catch evening shows until Sunday as well as matinees at the weekend.

Tickets, priced £20, £30, £35 and £45, plus booking and transaction fees, are available by calling 0844 338 8000.

Review by Helen Cartwright