Picture the scene if you will. Just a few short weeks ago, the Big List, alongside a handful of other media types from all over Europe, made the trip over to London for the official launch of the Batman Live show. DC Comics’ latest (and arguably most ambitious) project sees the much-loved character debut in his first ever live action arena tour (which comes to the Odyssey in Belfast for a string of dates this October) and yours truly got a ringside seat as they revealed the actors (in full costume) to the world in front of a towering backdrop of Gotham City. Needless to say, it’s more than a little bit exciting. Featuring 45 performers, a 90-person strong crew, a 100 foot wide stage and a staggering 130 foot wide video screen, this multi-million dollar production tells the story of how a young Dick Grayson becomes Robin in a tale of tragedy and triumph and judging from the clips we’ve seen, the show, which has been three years in the making, should appeal to families, Bat-fans and everyone in-between. “This is going to be something we haven’t seen before and I think that’s the real selling point here, that it’s not just CGI,” offers Jim Lee, co-publisher of DC Comics. “The producers are going to be really clever about all the ways they can tell the story-through live action, digital experiences, backdrops, things that are pre-filmed-and they are going to create something that’s very unique. To me, it’s a great experience. To see how real Batman is and, although slightly different, Batman is in our world and that’s very believable. Being able to go to a production and seeing that performed in front of you really underscores the fact that Batman is a character that could very well exist.” Helping to bring Bats into “our world” is a star-studded creative team that includes the likes of Rolling Stones and AC/DC’s technical manager Jake Berry, Mamma Mia and Walking With Dinosaurs executive producer Nick Grace and, in a coup that will surely appeal to comics fans worldwide, Mr Allan Heinberg, writer of the hit series Young Avengers and script-writer for the likes of Sex And The City and The O.C has come onboard the project to look after the dialogue. “I am delighted to be joining a team as committed to delivering an unparalleled visual spectacle as they are telling a compelling, emotional story,” offered Allan during the launch. “Batman Live is lovingly faithful to the characters and their distinguished history and it also provides a unique opportunity for new and lifelong fans to experience Batman and his world as they never have before.” With fans being treated to famous settings such as Arkham Asylum, Wayne Manor and the Batcave and a mixture of free runners, trapeze artists, acrobats and actors on hand to flesh out the world of Gotham City live and in person, the show plans on being innovative while also being faithful to the source material and boasts eye-popping scenes such as a 26 foot giant Joker head, which abandons the tried and tested method of manufacturing a stage prop in favour of creating the effect using living, breathing performers who “play” certain parts of the villain’s face, all sound-tracked by a sweeping score which was recorded in Abbey Road studios... Batman Live: World Arena Tour comes to the Odyssey in Belfast for a four night run beginning on Oct 5 and ending on Oct 8. Tickets are priced at £25 for Oct 5 and range from £22.50-£38 for Oct 6-8 inclusive and are available from all Ticketmaster outlets. A limited number of premium “Gotham City” seats are also available. For more information visit www.batmanlive.com.
The full version of this interview is available in the print version of The Big List, available throughout Northern Ireland.
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