Ben Hur - The Stage Show

[Grumpmeister]

Ben Hur is one of my favourite classic films and I'm curious as to how a stage version going to work. I'd love to see what they do with the chariot race. 

A stage production of the epic Charlton Heston film Ben-Hur is to open next year in London's O2 Arena, marking the movie's 50th anniversary.

The highlight of the show, about the life and destiny of the Jewish prince, will include the famous chariot scene.

The production will require 400 performers and 100 animals including horses, donkeys, chickens and eagles.

Creator Franz Abraham said the show would have a "high level of artistry that would excite the audience".

He added: "The show will have the speed of a musical, the depth of great theatre, the power of a rock concert and the visual opulence of a Hollywood blockbuster."

The thoroughbred horses will undergo 12 months of intensive training with a team of trainers and charioteers.

A combination of light, sound, water, wind and pyrotechnic effects will also be used.

However, it is not the first time that the Hollywood epic has been recreated live.

Two years ago, a French production played to 300,000 people at Paris's Stade de France.

And scenes from the book, written by American civil war general Lew Wallace, were often performed in theatrical spectacles in the early 20th Century.

Tickets for the new production will go on sale on 14 November, with the world premiere taking place at the O2 15 September, 2009.

After two further performances in London, the show will tour Europe.

[Snoopy]

I can't wait 

















Frankly I didn't like the book and thought the movie was awful.

[Grumpmeister]

Just a difference in tastes Snoop. Mind you I wasnt around to see how things were like back in the day so you probably have a beteter perspective on it than I do. 

[Snoopy]

 

The Romans didn't have "Thoroughbred Horses" that I can tell you. Think New Forest Ponies and you'll be closer to the reality.

[Grumpmeister]

I remember learing about that in school but something tells me that Hollywood wouldnt have been able to get the film out to the cinemas if the big race at the end had been a leisurly trot geing hauled by historically accurate horses.

But then again Hollywood never change history to fit the film do they? 

[Snoopy]

Of course not ~ Just watch "Saving Ryan's Privates" to see accurate film making 

[Grumpmeister]

I was thinking U571 personally.

[Snoopy]

Same sort of thing.

[Bar Wench]

The U751 film irritated more than any of them I think.

[Snoopy]

TBH Braveheart got up my nose too.

[Uncle Mort]

Same sort of thing.

In what way?

U751 was totally inaccurate in showing how the Yanks captured an Engima machine but Private Ryan was a story based around the American part of the D-Day landings.

[Snoopy]

Historically there were some inaccuracies. Technically there were many more ~ prolly only someone who had served in the forces would have recognised many of them. Wrong sounds, wrong munitions, wrong weapons ~ stuff like that.

[Uncle Mort]

Technically there were many more ~ prolly only someone who had served in the forces would have recognised many of them. Wrong sounds, wrong munitions, wrong weapons ~ stuff like that.

That's getting into 'anorak' territory though.

For example the Heinkels used in the film "The Battle of Britain" were borrowed from the Spanish airforce and were later versions than the ones the Germans used. (they also had Rolls Royce engines as did the Messerschmitts). Didn't detract from the film.

[Snoopy]

I know ~ it is sad of me but I just sat through the entire film finding fault. Didn't enjoy it one bit .... wouldn't have watched it but for the hype.

[Darwins Selection]

I know ~ it is sad of me but I just sat through the entire film finding fault. Didn't enjoy it one bit .... wouldn't have watched it but for the hype.

Agreed. Charlton Heston films were always so predictable.