Vangelis And Cast Of CHARIOTS OF FIRE Welcome Olympic Torch To West End

Legendary Greek composer Vangelis and the cast of the West End stage production of Chariots of Fire celebrated the arrival of the Olympic torch in the West End yesterday, Thursday 26 July 2012.

Vangelis’ Academy award-winning theme tune to the stage and film versions of Chariots of Fire welcome the Olympic torch as it arrives at the Gielgud Theatre and continues down Shaftesbury Avenue, making its final sprint toward Stratford for the Olympic Opening Ceremony. Accompanying Vangelis was the Chariots of Fire cast led by Jack Lowden and James McArdle.

The producers of the stage production of Chariots of Fire have scheduled an extra performance today at the Gielgud Theatre - Friday 27 July at 3pm - prior to the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Chariot of Fire, set during the 1924 Paris Olympic Games, is a spectacular and ingenious retelling of Eric Liddell's and Harold Abrahams' quest to become the fastest men on earth is an electrifying and immensely moving tale of two men's rivalry, and their unwavering determination to conquer the world in the face of prejudice, immovable beliefs and overwhelming odds.

Greek composer Vangelis, is best known for his Academy Award-winning score for the Chariots of Fire film which he wrote in 1981. The choice of music was unorthodox as most period films featured traditional orchestral scores. Vangelis' music was modern and synthesizer-heavy. His other film score credits include Blade Runner, 1492: Conquests of Paradise and Alexander.

Edward Hall’s five star production of Chariots of Fire continues at the Gielgud Theatre where it is currently booking to 10 November 2012. Inspired by Colin Welland’s original screenplay, award-winning playwright Mike Bartlett’s new adaptation is based on the true story of Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams’ inspirational tale of hope, honour and belief. Designer Miriam Buether will transform the Gielgud Theatre into immersive stadia experience, evoking the spirit of the 1924 Paris Olympic Games. Costumes are by Michael Howells with lighting by Rick Fisher, choreography by Scott Ambler and sound by Paul Groothuis.

The Gielgud cast, led by Jack Lowden as Eric Liddell and James McArdle as Harold Abrahams comprises Sam Archer (Athlete), Joe Bannister (Frank), Antonia Bernath (Florence Mackenzie), Natasha Broomfield (Jennie Liddell), Gareth Charlton (Athlete), Henry Davis (Athlete), Mark Edel-Hunt (Aubrey Montague), Lloyd Everitt (Athlete), Daniel Fraser (Athlete), Nickolas Grace (Master Of Trinity), Leemore Marrett Jr (Athlete), David Newman (Prince of Wales), Matthew Pearson (Sandy McGrath), Simon Slater (Mr Liddell/Foster), Savannah Stevenson (Sybil Gordon), Paul TInto (Secretary of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society), Simon Williams (Master of Caius), Tam Williams (Lord Andrew Lindsay) and Nicholas Woodeson (Sam Mussabini).

Colin Welland’s 1981 Academy Award® winning film of the same name, starred Ian Charleson and Ben Cross as athletes Liddell and Abrahams, was directed by Hugh Hudson. Produced by David Puttnam, Chariots of Fire also won the BAFTA award for Best Film and a further two awards at the Cannes Film Festival.

Chariots of Fire is produced in the West End by Hugh Hudson, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson and Michael Rose Limited who present a Hampstead Theatre production based on the Enigma Productions Limited motion picture by arrangement with Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation and Allied Stars S.A. Panama.

Listings Information                     CHARIOTS OF FIRE

         

Dates:                                       until 10 November 2012

Address:                                     Gielgud Theatre, 35 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6AR

Performances:                             Monday – Saturday at 7.45pm, Wednesday and Saturday at 3pm

Box Office:                                 0844 4825130

Ticket prices:                              £26 - £55 plus concessions, all prices include a £1 theatre restoration levy

Website:                                    www.chariotsoffireonstage.com