Recreating Ben Hur
Updated on 14 August 2009
A German impressario invests millions in live version of Ben Hur complete with galley slaves and a five chariot race. Nicholas Glass went to watch the rehearsals.
With the use of dramatic chariot races, fierce gladiators played by more than 400 performers and using more 100 animals throughout the show, Ben Hur Live is set to be the musical spectacle of the year.
The centrepiece of the show is the famous chariot race with five chariots pulled by four stallions each careering at full pace around the O2 arena in London.
The story is based on a myth about a Jewish prince, Judah Ben Hur, who was wrongly condemned to the galley for killing the Roman Governor and only survived with the thought of revenge until he meets Jesus and decides to forgive. Ben Hur then regains his strength through his love for slave Esther and the strong family ties of Jewish family Hur.
The sound track has been written by Police drummer Stewart Copeland, who will also narrate the London premiere. The script was written by Shaun McKenna who is known for his musical version of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, and the show is directed by Philip William McKinley, who directed the five-time TONY nominated Broadway Musical The Boy from Oz.
The live version of the Oscar-winning 1959 film will tour the world's big arenas, starting with O2 in September.
