Ben Hur Hits the London Stage

Theater shows in London have had the challenge of keeping up appearance in more way then one. The ever increasing need to draw in the crowds just to break even has been more than most productions on the stages of London could abide. The latest production to grace the London theater scene is called Ben Hur. The epic story of a Jewish prince which saw the likes of Charleston Heston bring the larger than life character to the silver screen in grandiose style. This production spares nothing to bring to life the world greatest historical tale of a man conquering all against the odds.

Based entirely on the 1880 novel by Lewis Wallace, the planning behind bringing this enormously scaled production to the London stage has finally paid off. The set spans the length of several football fields to comfortably accommodate horse drawn chariots, dueling gladiators and even a pirate ship attack. There is virtually nothing left to chance with this production as every detail is carefully considered and brought forth to the highest standard of presentation. The chariots carryout high speed races around the vast production grounds with speeds so breathtaking that you literally will as if transported back into time.

Producer Franz Abraham told AFP, "It's a mixture of the power of a rock concert, the speed of a musical, the magic of a great movie and the passion of a Greek tragedy." In total the expansive scale of this production includes 70 dancers and acrobats, 100 doves, 32 horses, three falcons, two eagles, 1000 costumes, two vultures and lastly two donkeys. This is just a mere glimpse into just how enormous this production really is. On September 17, 2009, the world will have first glance at the high tech and well crafted epic brought to real life production when it premieres for the first time in London.

The brave soul to fill the prestigious shoes which Heston once so supremely held as lead of the onscreen production is a virtually unknown actor named Sebastian Thrun. Two tremendous hours of impressive display from the ancient world re-enactment of a tale set in the time of Christ is a treat in itself. With the lead up to the holidays it would make for the perfect surprise for any avid theatre goer. The price tag for this performance is as enormously extravagant as the performance itself. Prices are set at 35 British pounds per ticket entrance which means attending this grandest of performances will not come cheaply. However, the performance and excitement of this production makes it well worth the cost of admission.