Prince Harry takes to the stage at Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical

By
Royal Central

This week saw the Duke of Sussex attend a special gala performance of West End show, Bat Out of Hell – The Musical, held in support of the Invictus Games Foundation. The Duke is Patron of the Foundation and was joined at the performance both by members of the public who had bought tickets in support of the organisation, almost six hundred serving or ex-service personnel and staff of military charities and organisations from across the UK.

Prince Harry on stage at Bat Out Of Hell

Before the performance commenced Prince Harry met and spoke with a number of wounded serving and ex-service personnel and was greeted with thunderous applause when he walked on stage to address the gathered audience.

Executive Producer and General Manager Julian Stoneman welcomed the Duke of Sussex to the stage, saying: “Bat Out of Hell -The Musical is proud to be an official partner of the Invictus Games Foundation. We believe that no matter who you are, the values and principles that the Invictus Games Foundation stands for resonating with people across the globe.

“Diversity and equality are words that come to mind when we watch tonight’s show, so no matter who you are, we hope that you draw inspiration from the words of our multi award-winning writer and composer, Jim Steinman, ‘the beat is yours forever, the beat is always true, and when you really need it the most, that’s when Rock and Roll dreams come through’.”

In his short speech the Duke of Sussex thanked the guests and those involved in the musical, saying: “You have all played a part in making sure that we can continue the work that the Invictus Games Foundation do by convening the Nations and ensuring that the Invictus Games continues as a platform for people all over the world.”

He continued: “There’s 800 beneficiaries here this evening and their other halves, and the partners we have been working a lot with since 2014. And although I can’t see you all, it is very nice to know that you are all out there. So, apart from wanting to get on that bike and rev it, enjoy the show and thank you very much for being a part of this.”

The gala performance is just the beginning of the partnership between Bat Out of Hell – The Musical and the Invictus Games Foundation, with plans already in motion to invite children and family members of active and ex-service members to join a day of performance workshops with the cast and crew.

Bat Out of Hell – The Musical is the winner of the Evening Standard Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical 2017 and has been seen by more than 700,000 people to date. The show, which brings to life the songs of composer Jim Steinman and singer Meat Loaf, is now booking through 5 January 2019.


Invictus Message

A special programme was given to those attending the special gala, this is what it said:

The Invictus Games Foundation was established following the success of the inaugural Invictus Games in 2014, which created a blueprint for inspiring many more wounded, injured or sick Servicemen and women on their journey of recovery.

Cast members of Bat Out of Hell the Musical meet with UK veterans Michelle Partington and Michelle Turner rocking out
Cast members meet UK veterans Michelle Partington and Michelle Turner

The Invictus Games harness the power of sport to inspire recover, support rehabilitation and generate a wider public understanding and respect for those who serve their country. In particular, they seek to generate a better understanding and respect for those Servicemen who have suffered life-changing injuries, or illnesses, visible or otherwise, whilst serving. As they participate in the Invictus Games, these men and women can show that they are defined not by their injuries or their illnesses, but by their ‘Invictus Spirit’.

At the recent Invictus Games Sydney 2018, the Invictus Games Foundation Patron, HRH The Duke of Sussex spoke of how these men and women are role models; people who every child should look up to. They can remind us all that no challenge is to difficult to overcome. In particular, this is true in regards to mental health.

The song in Bat Out Of Hell The Musical that says “objects in the rear view mirror may appear closer than they are” is a perfect metaphor for mental health and PTSD. It serves as a poignant reminder that there may be people around you struggling with their emotions, or with mental illness, particularly in relation to past experiences.

For the Gala Performance in support of the Invictus Games Foundation, the Foundation has provided the opportunity for many wounded, injured, or sick Servicemen and women across the UK to enjoy the performance, accompanied by some of the military charities that the Foundation has worked alongside.

Thank you so much for also joining this evening to show your support. Funds raised from the sale of your tickets will go to supporting the Invictus Games Foundation as it presides over what is now a global movement for the ‘Invictus Spirit’ - inspiring hearts and minds with stories of resilience and determination.