The West End is continuing to get into the spirit of the Olympics with Hampstead theatre’s forthcoming production of Chariots Of Fire set for an Olympic run at the Gielgud theatre.
Set during the 1924 Paris Olympic Games, Edward Hall’s epic production will play from 9 May at the North London venue, transferring into the West End from 22 June.
Inspired by Colin Welland’s original screenplay from the 1981 Oscar-winning film, award-winning playwright Mike Bartlett’s new adaption will reunite the playwright with designer Miriam Buether who transformed the National Cottesloe theatre for Bartlett’s Earthquakes In London. Buether will create a similar transformation for both the Hampstead and Gielgud theatres, creating an immersive experience to transport theatregoers into the world of the Olympics.
Based on a true story, Chariots Of Fire is the inspirational tale of Eric Liddell (Jack Lowden) and Harold Abrahams (James McArdle), a devout Scottish Christian and an immigrant Lithuanian Jew, both track athletes competing in the face of overwhelming odds.
The producers taking the story into the West End to coincide with the Olympic summer said they were “delighted to be working with the Hampstead theatre on Edward Hall’s production of Chariots Of Fire”. Adding: “We look forward to bringing this powerful production to the West End at a time when London will be united in celebrating the spirit of the Olympics.”
Chariots Of Fire will feature the iconic music from the film by Greek composer Vangelis alongside new music by the Tony Award-winning composer Jason Carr. The show is currently booking at the Gielgud theatre until 10 November.