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Spectacular Ben Hur show to have world premiere in London
Amar Singh6 Nov 2008
A SPECTACULAR live action adaptation of epic tale Ben Hur, complete with 400 performers, 100 animals and five chariots, will have its premiere at London's O2 Arena next year.
The multi-million-pound production, devised by German producer Franz Abraham, has taken 15 years to create and will make its world debut on 15 September in the 20,000-capacity venue at the former Millennium Dome.
It promises to be one of the most visually stunning and ambitious live shows London has ever seen.
Also on her way to the arena is Britney Spears, who is set to announce several shows next summer as part of her comeback after a year of personal problems which involved a spell in rehab.
The 26-year-old pop star is enjoying a renaissance and will bring her tour to London for up to 10 nights next June or July.
The producers of Ben Hur have hired Mark Fisher, chief stage designer at the Beijing Olympics opening and closing ceremonies, to provide the audience with a multi-sensory spectacle.
It will feature light, sound, water, wind and pyrotechnic effects and will be performed in the round to resemble an ancient arena. A state-of-the-art water wall will also carry huge projections.
A full symphonic soundtrack has been created by Hollywood producer Klaus Badelt, who has worked on Miami Vice and Premonition .
The show's 100 animals will include horses, camels, donkeys, chickens, falcons and eagles.
The most visually stunning setpiece promises to be a climactic chariot race in which five quadrigas pulled by thoroughbred horses will circle the arena floor. Mr Abraham said: "I have aimed to create something completely new, with a high level of artistry, that would excite the audience. 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."
David Campbell, chief executive of AEG Europe, owner and operator of the O2, said: "When I heard about the concept for Ben Hur Live I couldn't quite believe it. This is going to be the show of next year and I'm thrilled that we are hosting the world premiere.
"We've been lucky enough to hold some of the greatest music concerts and sports events in the world and I have no doubt that this will be just as spectacular."
The show is based on the novel, Ben Hur- A Tale Of Christ by Lew Wallace. It tells the story of a Jewish prince, Judah Ben Hur, at the beginning of the 1st century who is betrayed by a Roman friend and sent into slavery. The premiere coincides with the 50th anniversary of the popular and critically acclaimed Charlton Heston film, which won 11 Oscars.
The performance is part of the O2's Monumental series of classical spectaculars starting in January with a performance of Carmina Burana, one of the world's most popular pieces of music, which has also been created by Mr Abraham.
Reader views (8)
If you want to see a preview, go to the Battle of Castillon, a recreation of the end of the 100 Years War. Includes battles on horseback, giant oxen, falcons, all kinds of animals and crowds, fireworks-all put on by locals. Late July-early August. In Castillion (10 min from St Emilion), France. And no, I am not related to the production but have seen it several times. Used to be a fire-eater, too (who later went on to make bad wine).
- Blaise, Southwest France, 25/11/2008 09:45
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It's really great that someone's anxious about the animals. But please do not forget about all the human beings who have to suffer from this choleric, hysterical tyrant of producer in this small idyllic Bavarian village. Those who know him will confirm me in this position.
- Dr. Know, York, 20/11/2008 17:40
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cant wait till they do Sparticus ! will Boris play the lead role ?
- Peter Ex Londoner, Hartlepool, 06/11/2008 18:31
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Wot ! No bullfight ?
- Paul Fenton, London, UK, 06/11/2008 15:52
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I thought this country had evolved beyond the exploitation of animals purely for the sake of entertainment. This sounds truly horrendous for the poor creatures involved. The very idea of it has quite upset me.
- Sarah Bradshaw, Enfield, Middx, 06/11/2008 14:51
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Well if anyone knows the history of making the film then you know that a lot of horses where killed while filming that chariot race I for one do not think that the O2 is a place for animals to be and do not think this should be going ahead ANIMALS HAVE RIGHT TOO !
- Linda Cliff, London, 06/11/2008 14:19
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Let's hope the RSPCA will be keeping a close watch on this proposed spectacle.
- Janet Lambert, Paphos, Cyprus, 06/11/2008 13:23
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I think this is regression to the cruel era of circus and performing animals. I hate the idea totally.
- Helen, norwich, 06/11/2008 12:21
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