Handel’s Messiah – The Live Experience

Handel's Messiah Live Experience premiered at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London in December 2022. An ancient story which inspires to this day, this contemporary retelling of Handel’s Messiah is an emotional ride which comes to life through music and inspiring visuals, taking the audience on a journey of birth, sacrifice and hope. On a large vertical screen at the heart of the stage, our visuals create a unique musical experience for the audience as they are accompanied by the English Chamber Orchestra, London Symphony Choir, four acclaimed soloists, three dancers and two spoken word artists on stage. The visual concept works with abstract shapes, light, colour, silhouettes, natural references and typography, which transform with the dramatic storyline of Messiah.

PART I

Part I is centred around the shape of a circle. It transforms from a mysterious light to a unified whole. In a story of anticipation and new birth to prophecy and celebration, the circle travels through light, moments of shadow and mystery, and terrains. Following a moment of connection between the sky and the Earth, with a view of the circle from above, it dissolves into a celebratory explosion of light through a festive sparkle.

PART II

At the beginning of Part II, the circle has broken up into geometric lines. The hope from the first part has now turned into shock & horror. The sacrifice and punishment are expressed through abstract yet harsh expressive lines and thunder strikes. Moments of doubt see light peeking through darkness from above. From the darkest of places, we rise and reconnect to the unified hope of Part I. Lines and curves break up in a mysteriously distorted surface which comes alive. A build up to a moment of great release, joy and celebration - Hallelujah - as though the audience is moving through the endless space of the stage monolith on a joyous ride.

PART III

Part III enters calmly and slowly. Ambient, soft gradients create a warm atmosphere which references moments of hope and distant sadness of Parts I and II. With a momentary reference to celebratory Hallelujah, we reach the end of our journey in hope.

SPOKEN WORDS

Adding a new dimension to the classical storytelling of Messiah, two spoken word artists - Arthur Darvill and Martina Laird - introduce characters on the stage in certain moments between the songs. They extend the narrative of mother and child, while visuals on the monolith suggest a faint hint of words floating as thoughts above their heads.

Following a successful premiere in London's West End, Handel's Messiah Live Experience is set to tour the world with new performances in the works. Stay tuned!