Batman Live on Stage to open in the UK next summer.

Oddly enough, my daughter has become enough of a Superfriends junkie (somewhat by accident) that she'd probably gladly tag along if/when this show ever reaches Southern California. I mean, I did buy her tickets to Yo Gabba Gabba Live for next Saturday, so she kinda owes me. The site (click on the image) is pretty jam-packed, with character bios and games galore. This thing opens in the UK summer 2011, and it will allegedly expand into North America the following summer (just in time to cash in on The Dark Knight Rises, natch). So yes, unless the reviews are truly horrendous, I will be dragging Allison to this thing in a couple years. If I'm nice, I might let Wendy stay home. The official press release and a video clip with interviews are both after the jump.

Scott Mendelson

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 12th November 2010. BATMAN LIVE is a visually stunning production, complete with a brand new original storyline. The live show will feature Batman, 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 Juliet Hardy-Donaldson with Bryan Donaldson and Juliette Hardy 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.