Over the years, Rob Fowler has played Falco in Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical, including being in the original cast in Manchester, London and the West End, and he has reprised his role for the 2025 UK Tour, which is currently open at Peterborough before heading to Cheltenham on 31st March. Rob is in the cast alongside Glenn Adamson as Strat, Katie Tonkinson as Raven and his wife Sharon Sexton as Sloane in the Jim Steinman/Meat Loaf musical. Previously, Rob starred as Graf von Krolock in Dance with the Vampire (Tanz Der Vampire) in Hamburg, and before the coronavirus pandemic closed theatres around the world, he had been touring in MAMMA MIA! as Sam Carmichael. Further projects for Rob include We Will Rock You, Hairspray, Jesus Christ Superstar, Starlight Express, and he played Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show “Reloaded”. Talking with Rob, we found out from him about playing Falco in Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical, starring as Graf von Krolock in Dance with the Vampire (Tanz Der Vampire) and his time in The Rocky Horror Show “Reloaded” as Frank-N-Furter.
What is Falco like to play in Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical and how would you describe the character?
Having originated the role of Falco back in the show’s first run in Manchester in 2017, I always find it a pleasure to return to a powerful yet conflicted character. Although the ruler of Obsidian, he is also part of this loveable and dysfunctional family.
Having played Falco numerous times over the years, what were you looking forward to for getting back into character for the 2025 UK Tour?
It’s a very rare thing in the life of an actor to get to play opposite their loved ones, multiple times over the years. What I most looked forward to, and what I’m enjoying at the moment, is touring the country with my family and playing opposite my wife every night in this epic Jim Steinman rock opera musical!
Do you have a favourite aspect of working on the production and how is it seeing the fan response to the musical?
Actually, one of my favourite things about working on the production is the fan base. The BOOH community is one of the most loving and supporting fan bases that any performer could wish for.
What is it like performing the Jim Steinman/Meat Loaf music?
Anybody who knows music knows that to sing Meat Loaf songs six days a week is not to be taken lightly. It’s as if we’ve passed the Olympic torch for Olympic vocalists, to be trusted in keeping the flame and memory burning for these two great legends that are sadly no longer with us.
How was it being part of the original cast of Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical in Manchester and London/West End and what was it like originating the role of Falco?
It’s always an honour and privilege to be chosen out of hundreds of other hopeful actors to be part of the discovery of a new character. You almost become a detective of the art, trying to find all the different layers that the character needs and what makes them tick etc. I will be forever grateful for being part of the original production.
What are some of your stand-out memories from performing around the world with Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical so far?
There are so many that I could mention but off the top of my head:
- Definitely the show’s opening night in Manchester in 2017.
- Meeting Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf.
- The reaction of the fans during the opening speech.
- Travelling with the show across the world to Australia and Toronto, as well as closer to home places like Dublin and Germany!
- Going to London’s West End, first at the Coliseum and then the Dominion.
- And then of course we have the opportunity to bring it to all the theatres around the UK again with this tour.
Why would you recommend booking tickets to see the current UK tour?
You should book tickets because it is a place where you can have a rollercoaster of fun and age doesn’t exist. And once you’ve been bitten by Bat Out Of Hell, you will be part of the family forever.
How was it starring as Graf von Krolock in Dance with the Vampire (Tanz Der Vampire) in Hamburg, and what was it like getting into costume?
To play the lead role in Dance with the Vampire in Hamburg was a dream. It took me 90 minutes to get into costume and make-up before the show every night and that became my way of becoming a vampire. Plus, I got to perform Jim Steinman songs in a more classical way.
What was Dance with the Vampire (Tanz Der Vampire) like to perform in and what did you enjoy most playing Graf von Krolock?
I think, like myself, most people would love the fact of playing somebody who is immortal, mythical and dangerous.
When theatres closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, you had been touring with MAMMA MIA! as Sam Carmichael, what was this like to do?
It was very scary, to know that somebody/something could just switch off your income with only two weeks’ notice and with no financial help. Luckily, I was beside the love of my life!
Do you have any favourite highlights from your time as Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show “Reloaded” that you can share?
My favourite moment was being chosen by Richard O’Brien, the creator of The Rocky Horror Show, for the iconic role. Another bucket list role ticked.
Can you tell us about some of the other shows you’ve worked on over your extensive theatre career so far, which have included We Will Rock You, Hairspray, Jesus Christ Superstar and Starlight Express?
With every show I play, I tried to find something in myself that I can relate to the character to breathe a new life into them. From the shows mentioned above to Next to Normal, The Last Five Years, Tommy and Hair to name a few, if you look close enough you will find parts of what happened in my real life are also embedded in the characters.
How did you get into acting and had you always known you wanted a career in the performing arts industry?
I was with my dad when he passed away when I was 22 years old, and I was studying to be an engineer. Grief knocked me off my feet and I began searching for myself. I ended up taking my mum on a day out to the theatre and I just fell in love with it. I promised myself that one day I would be on the stage. I’ve never stopped working on improving myself as a performer and as a person.
What are some of your favourite theatre shows to watch?
Les Misérables, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Bat Out Of Hell 🤟🤟🤟🤟
How do you like to spend your time away from performing?
Primarily I spend my time off with my family, I’m a very proud husband and father. I also like to keep in shape so going to the gym is part of that, and riding motorcycles.
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