Fourth date added for 'Gladiator Live' at the Royal Albert Hall

Lisa Gerrard confirmed to perform at all four shows

Maximus Decimus Meridius will have his vengeance – in this life or the next – for a fourth time, after the Royal Albert Hall announced an extra date for its Gladiator ‘live in concert’ event, due to incredible popular demand.

The additional performance of Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning ‘swords and sandals’ epic, starring Russell Crowe as a Roman general turned gladiator, will be on Saturday, 24 May, with the film screened in stunning high definition as its famous score is brought to life by the Philharmonia Film Orchestra and the Philharmonia Chorus.

Director Ridley Scott said: "We often forget that before sound and film were married on celluloid, we all watched movies with a live music soundtrack.

“To have the immediacy of a real orchestra as accomplished as the Philharmonia in the room offers an unparalleled dimension to the experience of watching Gladiator.

“As with all the composers I've worked with, Hans' music has played a very important role in my films and it's a pleasure to see this element of the filmmaking process celebrated in this way."

The Royal Albert Hall is also proud to announce that vocalist Lisa Gerrard, who collaborated on the original soundtrack with composer Hans Zimmer, will perform live at all four performances.

The three previously released dates at the Royal Albert Hall, from Monday, May 26th to Wednesday, May 28th are all sold out.

Jasper Hope, Chief Operating Officer at the Royal Albert Hall, said: “We knew that bringing Ridley Scott’s mammoth modern masterpiece to the Hall, complete with a 200-strong orchestra and chorus, would get the thumbs up from audiences but the demand has been nothing short of epic. Adding this fourth date gives another 5,000 fans the chance to see this classic film in a most perfect cinematic setting.”

The Royal Albert Hall, opened in 1871, was modelled on ancient Roman amphitheatres, including the Coliseum itself, in which Gladiator’s rousing, visceral battle scenes take place.

Ridley Scott’s film, which features Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Derek Jacobi, Richard Harris and Oliver Reed in his last screen appearance, scooped five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, while Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard’s memorable music was recognised as the Best Original Score at the Golden Globes.

Gladiator Live is part of the Hall’s ongoing series presenting cinematic landmarks with live orchestral accompaniment. Future events include the UK premieres of J. J. Abrams’ Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness, as well as the legendary 1961 musical West Side Story, and a repeat performance of last year’s world premiere celebrating the work of composer Danny Elfman in the films of Tim Burton.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Listings information:

Gladiator Live
Saturday 24, Monday 26, Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 May 2014 at 7.30pm
Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP
Tickets £20 - £65 (booking fees apply)
Box Office 020 7589 8212
www.royalalberthall.com

For more information on CineConcerts, please go to www.cineconcerts.com

For further information about Gladiator Live, including requests to interview Lisa Gerrard, please contact: Rick Burin, Press Executive, Royal Albert Hall: rickb@royalalberthall.com Tel: 020 7959 0531

Royal Albert Hall:

The Royal Albert Hall is the world’s most famous stage. Its breathtaking auditorium hosts over 370 shows a year by the world’s greatest artists. The magical atmosphere combined with inspired artists creates legendary events.

Opened in 1871 as part of Prince Albert’s vision for a centre for the Arts and Sciences, the Hall is a registered charity which operates without public funding, remaining true to his founding ambitions within a modern context. Extending the brand with 200 events outside the auditorium, the Hall has broadened its appeal to younger, diverse audiences whilst still engaging its existing customers.

The Hall also offers the Elgar Room, a state-of-the-art small-scale performance space which hosts performances of classical music, jazz and world music, comedy, dance and hush, a series of gigs for just signed bands throughout the year. In the main auditorium, it offers the Albert Sessions, an initiative that encourages up and coming acts to play at the Hall by offering reduced rental fees to promoters and lower ticket prices to encourage younger audiences to visit the Hall. It also works extensively with schools, young people, disadvantaged groups and partners such as Music For Youth through its Education programme, reaching over 100,000 participants each year as part of its extensive public benefit remit. It has also been appointed by the Arts Council as one of the country’s regional music education hubs.

For more information, please visit www.royalalberthall.com

Registered charity number: 254543