Saddleworth Players: "Ben Hur" at The Millgate Centre

Description

Based on one of the timeless stories of one of the best-selling books of the nineteenth century, this stage adaptation condenses the epic tale so that it is told by just four actors.

The story follows an amateur theatre troupe as they produce the massive tale of the fictional Jewish prince and merchant Judah Ben-Hur. He falls to galley slave and rises to champion charioteer within Jerusalem during the life of Jesus Christ, while the actors struggle along through the piece as rivalries form and offstage romances interfere. Complete with chariot race, sea battle, and stage combat, Patrick Barlow weaves his compressed style popularized by The 39 Steps into one of the largest stories ever told.

“… more quick changes and tomfoolery than an entire run of Monty Python.”- The Guardian

“Patrick Barlow’s small-scale take on this epic tale is a palpable hit.”- Evening Standard

They said it was unachievable!

They said it couldn’t be done!

But now the greatest book ever penned is brought to the stage by a towering team of just four actors – turning the Millgate Arts Centre, Delph into one of the most authentic versions of Ancient Rome ever seen.

Complete with…

Stunning combat (featuring the latest 3D technology)!

A 103% bona fide chariot race (with REAL chariots)!

An authentic sea battle (with REAL water)!

A decadent and unexpurgated Roman orgy (suitable for all ages)!

Ben Hur is the epic set to stir your very soul. Brought to you by the writer of the Olivier nominated A Christmas Carol and Olivier and Tony Award- winning comedy The 39 Steps

Directed by Verity Mann

Featuring a cast of four (taking on the Roman Empire): Mark Rosenthal, John Comyn-Platt,  Andy Hoyle, Kerry Ely, plus ensemble cast.