Andrew Polec to leave Bat Out of Hell in the West End

Bat Out of Hell's lead actor Andrew Polec is to step down from the role of Strat.

Polec has been fronting the show since its inception and is to leave on 1 September 2018. His plans are yet to be announced as is his replacement.

Polec won the Best West End Debut in the Stage Debut Awards in 2017 for his performance. He said: "Bat Out of Hell – The Musical has changed my life – it's a true gift. I've never felt so warmly welcomed and loved by so many thoughtful, generous people who hold Jim Steinman and Meat's music so close to their hearts. It's been an honour being part of this show, and phenomenal to work with this amazing cast and team. Plus – I get to sing this brilliant music night after night for the best fans in the world!"

Bat Out of Hell originally opened in Manchester in 2017 and has since run at the London Coliseum and is now in the Dominion Theatre, where it opened on 2 April.

Jim Steinman's show is about rebellious youth set in a post-cataclysmic city. Songs included in the piece are "You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth", "Bat Out of Hell", "I Would Do Anything For Love" and "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad".