A screening of the theatre classic War Horse that’s being beamed live to a Wrexham cinema is already a runaway success.
Bosses at the Odeon at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre revealed there’s unprecedented demand for tickets for the West End show on Thursday.
Originally, they had planned to use just one screen for the performance of the critically acclaimed version of the powerful and moving drama based on the Michael Morpurgo novel.
But three screens have sold out already so they’ve added a fourth for the National Theatre production at The New London Theatre, in London’s Drury Lane.
Cinema manager Andy Elvis said: “The rush for tickets has been absolutely amazing and I’ve never known anything like it for a live screening.
“We have just a handful of seats left for the fourth screen but I really can see it been a complete sell-out and there is no option to add a fifth screen.
“I would say, to avoid disappointment and if you want to watch a fantastic West End show without the expense of travelling to London, then get a ticket to see War Horse at Eagles Meadow this Thursday. But you’ll need to be quick!”
He added: “And for those that can’t make the Thursday live screening, or for those that don’t manage to get a ticket, then we will be having two encore performances. One on Thursday, March 13th and a second on Mother’s Day, Sunday, March 30th.
“There is also a possibility we may screen an encore performance specifically for secondary school children.
“We have previously shown productions of Shakespeare plays, such as Hamlet, as well as performances by the Royal Ballet live from Covent Garden and several performances live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
“It’s all part of our alternative series of productions which are proving very popular.
“Of course we also screened the Dr Who anniversary show on the big screen at the same time it was broadcast by the BBC and that proved a massive hit. However, the demand for War Horse has eclipsed even that, it has proved incredibly popular.
“It is without doubt the biggest demand we have had for a live screening. I believe customers who have enjoyed previous performances are spreading the word as we are getting busier and busier with each screening.”
Although Andrew admits, as much as Eagles Meadow audiences enjoy live performances, the screenings always leave him nervous.
He said: “It’s absolutely live so you never know what can happen. We obviously have no control over what happens on stage in London.
“The puppetry used in the performance is truly amazing and quite complex. And there is always a worry over technical issues although I’m sure there won’t be a problem. However, I will have one eye on the weather in case there is any disruption to the satellite signal.”
And Andrew says performances of all major shows screened live in Wrexham are proving increasingly popular.
He said: “People are telling us they actually prefer to watch major shows on the big screen as you get different camera angles and you can see, close up, the faces of the actors or dancers.
“Of course, sitting toward the back of the actual theatre in the West End or in New York you are probably too far away to be able to see clearly the expressions of the cast as they perform.
“Plus, if you get a ticket to watch the show here, there are no travel or hotel bills, which you have to pay should you travel to London or New York for a major production.”
And it isn’t just War Horse that will be hitting Eagles Meadow’s silver screen as on Wednesday, March 19 a Royal Ballet performance of Sleeping Beauty will be screened.
Andrew said: “These events are definitely the way forward and becoming ever more popular. Sleeping Beauty will be shown on two screens and tickets are selling really well.
“And as well as Sleeping Beauty we are screening a live performance of Shakespeare’s King Lear on Thursday, May 1st. Tickets for that show are we are already selling really well too.”
The National Theatre production of War Horse will be screened live from the West End at the Odeon, Eagles Meadow on Thursday, February 27th with recorded encore performances on Thursday, March 13th and Sunday, March 30th.
For tickets or more information visit www.odeon.co.uk or call in at the cinema.
