Ben Hur
Presented by The People of Bath
By Lew Wallace
Adapted by Hattie Naylor
Directed by Lee Lyford
Friday 29th - Sunday 31st October
Imagine legions of Roman soldiers on the march, a journey across deserts, a battle fought on the high seas and all the danger and thrilling atmosphere of a chariot race. In an event which will surpass belief, a huge cast, including a prodigious choir, will create one of the most visually exciting and theatrically impressive productions yor family is ever likely to see.
Ben Hur – the epic story of the life and times of Judah Ben-Hur, whose extraordinary journey takes him from wealthy merchant to galley slave to champion charioteer and witness at the Crucifixion, will be recreated one of the most remarkable productions ever staged at the Theatre Royal.
The acting company will be composed entirely of local people who have been involved with this project for over a year. The professional team, who will be working alongside them, will be director Lee Lyford, whose previous productions have included His Dark Materials in the Main House which involved a company of 160 (“A masterpiece” Bath Chronicle), and the egg’s much-acclaimed Christmas productions The Nutcracker (“Intelligent, sophisticated and endlessly inventive” FIVE STARS Venue) and Around the World in 80 Days (FOUR STARS Guardian & Times); Hattie Naylor, an award-winning playwright whose work has been broadcast on Radio 4 including Samuel Richardson’s Clarissa for Radio 4’s Classic Serial; and composer Conor Mitchell who has worked with the National Theatre.
Originally published as a novel in 1880 by American General and author, Lew Wallace, it was William Wyler’s 1959 film which starred Charlton Heston in the title role, and won no less than 11 Academy Awards, which really caught the public’s imagination.
“It is extra special to play in what I understand to be the most beautiful theatre in England, which I suppose makes it the most beautiful theatre in the world” – Charlton Heston, making his British stage debut at the Theatre Royal in 1985.
Tickets: £18.50/£16.50 (£9.50 discounts)
Please note that, due to the staging of some productions, the Grand Circle may be restricted view
Performance Times
Friday 29: 7.30pm
Saturday 30: 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Sunday 31: 2.30pm & 7.30pm
For details of how YOU can get involved in Ben-Hur download a registration form or contact Jill Bennett, Lifelong Learning Officer, on 01225 823452
Funded by the trustees of the estate of Margot Boyd