First "Batman Live" Arena Tour to Kick Off in the U.K.

Arena venues across the U.K. and Europe will play host to "Batman Live," a real-time action arena show based on the super hero, for the first time. The tour, announced by Warner Bros. Consumer Products, DC Entertainment and Nick Grace of Water Lane Productions, will start in summer 2011 and arrive in North America by summer 2012.

"Batman Live" features a new original storyline along with stunts, pyrotechnics, illusions and video screen sequences. The live show will feature Batman, his counterpart Robin, butler Alfred and a host of other characters, including villains such as The Joker, The Riddler, Catwoman and The Penguin. The story will take place in several settings from the DC Comics stories, including Gotham City, Wayne Manor, the Batcave and Arkham Asylum.

"Batman is one of the most iconic and recognizable brands in the world," says Brad Globe, president of WBCP. "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" is based on an original story being created exclusively for the show. Creative director is Anthony van Laast and co-director is James Powell. In addition, set design is by Es Devlin, music composed by James Brett, sound design by Simon Baker, lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe, video direction by Sam Pattinson and 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.

Full tour dates will be released in November 2010.