STAR WARS Original Trilogy Films Will Be Performed in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall has announced its first ever Star Wars in-concert Weekender with two screenings of each film from the original trilogy taking place over four days - Thursday 29 April to Sunday 2 May 2027 - to celebrate the franchise's 50th anniversary. The screenings of Episode IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi in Concert will be accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra, who recorded the original film soundtracks.

The Star Wars theme, written by legendary composer John Williams, is one of Willams' most famous compositions and is considered one of the most recognised film scores in history. Williams is also responsible for scoring other classic films such as Jaws, E.T., Superman, Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park and Harry Potter.

The Star Wars Weekender at the Hall provides fans with the opportunity to see all three films from the original trilogy in succession across a single weekend, marking 50 years since the release of Episode IV: A New Hope. The announcement follows the sold-out The Lord of the Rings Weekenders taking place this May, in a UK-first for fans.

Matt Todd, Director of Programming at the Royal Albert Hall, said: “The Star Wars films have consistently been a fan favourite in our Films in Concert programme over the years, so it's such an honour for us to be hosting this classic saga over a single weekend for the very first time – we cannot wait! John Williams' score is such a significant part of the trilogy, so for attendees to see all three films with a live orchestra will be a truly memorable experience, that captures what fans felt when they first entered a galaxy far, far away.”

Sarah Quinn, LSO Chair and Sub-Principal Second Violin, said: “From that triumphant opening chord on the first recording session for A New Hope in Anvil Studios, the Star Wars ‘sound' has become synonymous with the London Symphony Orchestra, which carries the DNA of John Williams's music in its blood.  What better way to celebrate this anniversary than reliving the original trilogy in full, and we look forward to sharing these momentous performances at the Royal Albert Hall.”

Since the release of the first Star Wars movie in 1977, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on both cinema and culture, inspiring audiences around the world with its sci-fi storytelling, captivating characters and groundbreaking visual effects. All three films are highly rated among fans and critics alongside huge blockbuster success.

The Star Wars Original Trilogy (Episodes IV–VI) follows Luke Skywalker as he joins the Rebel Alliance to defeat the tyrannical Galactic Empire. Guided by Obi-Wan Kenobi and allied with Han Solo, Luke trains as a Jedi, discovers his heritage as Darth Vader's son, and helps destroy the Death Star and restore freedom.

Films in Concert launched in 2009, building on the Hall's history as a place to experience cinema with live musical accompaniment during the silent film era. In the past 17 years, it has curated a programme of beloved films whose unforgettable scores have been performed by the likes of the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and Chineke! Orchestra.

Titles have ranged from musicals (Singin' in the Rain, West Side Story) to cinema classics (Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Godfather) and contemporary blockbusters (Interstellar, Skyfall). The premiere of Jurassic Park in Concert broke all box office records, selling out its 20,000 tickets in just 24 hours. Creatives who've appeared at the shows have included stars Tom Cruise (Top Gun: Maverick), Sigourney Weaver (Aliens) and Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring), directors James Cameron (Titanic) and Sir Sam Mendes (Skyfall), and composer David Arnold (Casino Royale).