Batman Live: Caped Crusader Takes To Stage

2:34pm UK, Wednesday July 20, 2011

Jane Witherspoon, entertainment correspondent

The world premiere of the action-packed arena tour Batman Live has taken place in Manchester.

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Video: Television advert for the show.
The city’s Evening News Arena was transformed into Gotham City as the £12m production began a four year world tour.
The live action show features stunts and pyrotechnics as the caped crusader's adventures are brought to life by a 43-strong cast.
The Batmobile, created by former McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray, and a 100ft-wide bat-shaped LED video wall are said to be the stars of the show.
Creative Director Antony Van Laast, who previously worked on stage shows Mamma Mia and Sister Act, told Sky News: "It was a fantastic evening last night.
"I mean I've been working on this project for two and a half years, and it came into culmination last night.
"I think the best moment was one child came up to me and said it was like watching a movie live in 3D."

The new Batmobile designed by Gordon Murray for the live stage show

He added: "With Batman here, we're not trying to emulate films - I think what we're trying to do is a unique piece of entertainment. I think what is at the root of this piece of - I hope - very good entertainment - is a really good story. It's the origin of Robin."
The production is the latest comic book and film franchise to be adapted for the stage.
The ill-fated Spider-man: Turn off the Dark finally opened on Broadway in June after a record-breaking six months of previews after suffering repeated delays, technical problems and cast injuries.
Unlike the Broadway show, Batman Live is not a musical but it has not been without its setbacks after the Batmobile crashed during rehearsals last week.
Batman was created in 1939 and has become one of the most successful comic book heroes of all time.

Christian Bale plays Bruce Wayne in The Dark Knight Rises

The opening of the arena show comes as fans eagerly await the first glimpse of the trailer for Christopher Nolan's forthcoming film The Dark Knight Rises.
The trailer which is scheduled to be shown in cinemas from this Friday was leaked on the internet earlier this week.
It was quickly removed from sites by film studio Warner Brothers.
Batman Live Arena Tour will be staged 87 times in the UK and Ireland between now and October.
It will then visit Europe before reaching North America next August.