Theatre lovers can enjoy front row seats for one of the West End’s most popular hit shows – without leaving Wrexham.
The Odeon Cinema at the Eagles Meadow shopping centre is set to show the National Theatre’s production of the critically acclaimed War Horse live on the evening of Thursday, February 27.
And plans for the special screening are proving so popular cinema bosses have added not one but two additional screens after the first two sold out for the live show within days of going on sale.
Since its first performance at the National Theatre in 2007, War Horse has become an international smash hit.
Based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel and adapted for the stage by Nick Stafford, War Horse takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France.
The critically acclaimed production is filled with stirring music and songs,
Actors working with magnificent, life-sized puppets by the internationally renowned Handspring Puppet Company lead us on a gripping journey through history.
According to Odeon manager Andy Elvis, beaming the live performances from London, New York and other major cultural centres is proving a massive hit with Wrexham cinema goers.
He said: “As 2014 is the centenary of the beginning of the First World War, the timing could not be more poignant.
“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 screened Dr Who anniversary show on the big screen at the same time it was broadcast by the BBC and that was a massive hit. However, War Horse will eclipse even that it is proving incredibly popular.
He added: “Initially we planned to show it on one screen but that sold out very quickly so we added a second screen and that too has sold out. We didn’t want to disappoint our customers so took the decision to add a third screen.
“Incredibly a third of available seats sold out for that screen within a very short time of going on sale. So I would advise anyone wanting to watch the show to book early as I don’t think we can add a fourth screen.
“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.
“And if you can’t get a seat for the live performance we are screening an encore performance, when we will screen a recording of the show, on Thursday, March 13.”
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 in March a Royal Ballet performance of Sleeping Beauty will be screened.
Andrew said: “These events are definitely the way forward and becoming ever more popular.
“As well as Sleeping Beauty we are screening a live performance of Shakespeare’s King Lear in May and we are already getting enquiries over ticket availability for that show.
“I think cinema is evolving and modern technology means these shows are far easier to put on.”
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 a recorded encore performance on Thursday, March 13.
For tickets or more information visit www.odeon.co.uk or call in at the cinema.
