Batman Live hits the stage at Liverpool Echo Arena

Sep 15 2011 by Mark Smith, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

GOTHAM’S finest rode into Liverpool last week when Batman Live headed to the Echo Arena.

But anyone expecting a moody morality tale in the style of the Christopher Nolan – or even Tim Burton – films should think again.

The stage show was much more a family affair. This Batman was the caped crusader rather than the dark knight, more Adam West than Christian Bale.

The stage show features circus acts mixed with drama in the tried and trusted style anyone familiar with the likes of Cirque Du Soleil would recognise.

There were even more than a few magic tricks performed by pop culture’s most sinister clown, Batman’s arch nemesis The Joker.

The story faithfully adapts from the DC Comics characters and stories, and focuses on Dick Grayson – the boy who would become the bat’s faithful sidekick Robin – and his quest for justice following the murder of his parents.

The events leading to their death when they fall from the roof of the circus big top are a stunning set piece of trapeze artistry. As a big fan of the films though, I was definitely hoping for some intense bone-breaking fight scenes, but that was definitely off the agenda in this family show, and some of the action set pieces seemed somewhat tame and lacklustre.

Although when Robin manages to floor The Joker and delivers two ‘kapow’ style smacks to the chops – it was the children who cheered the loudest!

The show featured a 43-strong cast of actors and circus-trained acrobats and leading man’s Sam Heughen’s performance as Batman was excellent.

The cast featured all the familiar villains, from Catwoman – who drew more than a few wolf whistles – and The Penguin, to an eerie depiction of The Scarecrow – stilts and all – during the final showdown at the notorious Arkham Asylum.

But it was the Joker, played by Liverpool Everyman old boy Mark Frost who arguably stole the show, ditching Heath Ledger’s anarchistic nihilism for an intensity and gusto that put me in mind of a malevolent Tommy Cooper.

With fireworks, big screen graphics and even a life-sized Batmobile, the show was certainly one for all the family that captured the best traditions of the classic caped crusader.