BEN HUR LIVE(C): The O2 Welcomes its Biggest Epic Yet

BEN HUR LIVE(C): The O2 Welcomes its Biggest Epic Yet

LONDON, November 6/PRNewswire/ --

- World Premier to Take Place at The O2 September 2009

- Over 400 Performers and 100 Animals

- Recreation of Legendary Chariot Scene

Next Autumn The O2 will rewind the clocks by 2000 years and be the proud host of the world premier of the epic tale of Ben Hur, an ART CONCERTS production. BEN HUR LIVE(c) will make its world debut at The O2 on 15th September 2009 with two further shows on 18th and 19th September.

The production, the vision of German producer, Franz Abraham has been developed over fifteen years and is finally ready for the public, including the famous chariot race. BEN HUR LIVE(c) coincides with the 50 year anniversary of the film and will dazzle its audience with a breathtaking combination of light, sound, water, wind and pyrotechnic effects in a show performed in the round, like an ancient arena.

Huge projections on a water wall create a unique experience that appeals to all the senses.

The show is based on the novel, Ben Hur - a Tale of Christ, by Lew Wallace and tells the story of the life and destiny of the Jewish prince Judah Ben Hur at the beginning of the 1st century. The production will be accompanied by an emotional symphonic soundtrack created by Hollywood composer Klaus Badelt, an English speaking narrator, as well as 400 performers and 100 animals including horses, camels, donkeys, chickens, falcons and eagles.

The highlight of the show will be the famous chariot scene where five quadrigas will compete in a neck and neck race around the arena floor. The 'stars' of the show will be the thoroughbred horses, who together with a team of trainers and charioteers, will undergo 12 months of intensive training.

Behind this project is a top-class creative team: BEN HUR LIVE(c) is directed by Philip Wm. McKinley, the script by British author Shaun McKenna and the production is designed by Mark Fisher, famous for the opening and final ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Beijing.

BEN HUR LIVE(c) creator, Franz Abraham, comments: "The idea for BEN HUR LIVE(c) began 15 years ago. Right from the beginning I 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, owners and operators of The O2, added: "When I heard about the concept for BEN HUR LIVE(c) 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 premier. 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."

Tickets go on sale on Friday 14th November from http://www.theo2.co.uk or http://www.benhurlive.com, and telephone +44(0)844-856-0202.

After appearing at The O2, BEN HUR LIVE(c) will tour Europe with multiple shows across the continent.

This is the second in the series of Monumental shows held at The O2, the first being Carmina Burana in January, which has proved so popular that a second show has been added.

Source: AEG Europe

Lucy Ellison, Head of PR, AEG Europe & The O2, +44(0)20-8463-2572, lucy.ellison@aegworldwide.co.uk

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Profile: International Entertainment