Batman Live

So Marvel currently has Spider-man: Turn Off the Dark languishing in pre-production hell. Why should DC be left out of having some sort of live production constantly plagued by delays?

Just announced by Warner Bros. Consumer Products, DC Entertainment and Nick Grace of Water Lane Productions Ltd is "Batman Live." The self-proclaimed "unique action-packed live show" will tour the UK and Europe in summer 2011 and arrive stateside summer 2012. The show opens in Manchester on 20th July 2011 and visiting Newcastle, Glasgow, Sheffield, Birmingham, London, Liverpool, Nottingham, Dublin and Belfast, tickets for Batman Live go on sale on Friday, November 12, 2010. Batman Live is a visually stunning production, complete with a brand new original storyline. The show will feature Batman, Robin, Alfred, The Joker, The Riddler, Catwoman and The Penguin, taking place in several settings, including Gotham City, Wayne Manor, the Batcave and Arkham Asylum.

"When a character has as wide an audience and as rich a history as Batman, it's truly exciting to see him introduced into an all-new storytelling medium," says Jim Lee, Co-Publisher, DC Comics. "'Batman Live' will bring a completely new experience to fans of the character - it's great to be able to give them something they haven't seen before."

The show will feature stunts, pyrotechnics, illusions and video screen consequences. It's based on an original story featuring the talents of Creative Director of Anthony Van Laast and Co-Director James Powell. Set designer Ea Devlin, composer James Brett, sound designer Simon Baker, lighting designer Patrick Woodroffe, video director Sam Pattinson and costume designer will feature circus sequences in association with Circus Space with Bryan Donaldson and Juliette Hardy-Donaldson as circus consultants.

"BATMAN LIVE will be a totally unique experience. This is not a musical but a high quality live show with a thrilling Batman story, filled with action, that will appeal to adults, teenagers and families," said Nick Grace. "Batman is more than a comic book character, he's a cultural phenomenon and we are proud to have this opportunity to be involved with one of the most popular DC Super Heroes in the world today."

Full press release after the jump.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP), DC Entertainment and Nick Grace of Water Lane Productions Ltd (WLP) announced today that Batman Live - a unique action-packed live show - will tour arenas for the first time ever across the UK and Europe, beginning in summer 2011 and arriving in North America by summer 2012.

Opening in Manchester on 20th July 2011 and visiting Newcastle, Glasgow, Sheffield, Birmingham, London, Liverpool, Nottingham, Dublin and Belfast, tickets for Batman Live go on sale on Friday, November 12, 2010. Batman Live is a visually stunning production, complete with a brand new original storyline. The live show will feature Batman, his trusty counterpart Robin, tireless butler Alfred and a host of other favourite Batman characters, including villains such as The Joker, The Riddler, Catwoman and The Penguin. The story will take place in several settings from the famed DC Comics stories, including Gotham City, Wayne Manor, the Batcave and Arkham Asylum.

"With the touring 'Batman Live' show, we're bringing Batman's adventures to live audiences for the very first time," said Geoff Johns, Chief Creative Officer, DC Entertainment. "The idea that we're doing it with a production team this talented and with this much passion is thrilling."

"When a character has as wide an audience and as rich a history as Batman, it's truly exciting to see him introduced into an all-new storytelling medium," says Jim Lee, Co-Publisher, DC Comics. "'Batman Live' will bring a completely new experience to fans of the character - it's great to be able to give them something they haven't seen before."

"Batman is one of the most iconic and recognizable brands in the world," said Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "For the very first time, we are bringing the world of Batman to life in a live show. And the fact that we are doing it within arena-sized venues is sure to be a thrill for audiences of all ages."

Batman Live, produced by Nick Grace of Water Lane Productions, will feature impressive stunts, pyrotechnics, illusions and video screen sequences. Totally authentic, bold and awe-inspiring, BATMAN LIVE will offer a completely new way to experience the world of Batman and will be a must-see for fans and families everywhere.

"BATMAN LIVE will be a totally unique experience. This is not a musical but a high quality live show with a thrilling Batman story, filled with action, that will appeal to adults, teenagers and families," said Nick Grace. "Batman is more than a comic book character, he's a cultural phenomenon and we are proud to have this opportunity to be involved with one of the most popular DC Super Heroes in the world today."

BATMAN LIVE is based on an original story being created exclusively for the show. Creative Director is Anthony Van Laast and Co-Director, James Powell. Set design by Es Devlin, music composed by James Brett, sound design by Simon Baker, lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, video direction by Sam Pattinson, costume design by Jack Galloway. Circus sequences created, produced and managed in association with Circus Space with Bryan Donaldson and Juliette Hardy-Donaldson as circus consultants.

The world premiere of BATMAN LIVE will take place in the UK in summer 2011. Following the premiere, the show will then tour Europe, before opening in North America in summer 2012. Full tour dates will be released in November 2010.

Tickets for UK and The Republic of Ireland will go on sale on Friday 12th November 2010.

Comments

  1. Sounds like one of the theme park shows. Not sure I like the sound of this. I do love the image you posted along with the article though.

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  2. Honestly, I think this puts us one step closer to Marvel/DC on Ice (this is especially likely considering Disney owns Marvel). The thought of Wolverine squaring off against Sabretooth on ice is pretty amusing in my mind though.

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  3. Yeah, something about Brian Boitano dressed up as the ol' Canucklehead and spinning on the ice with claws flying just seems unholy to me. I can't even watch the guy on Food Network.

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