Chariots of Fire - Crucible Sheffield

[BurlyBeaR]

Stage Adaptation by Mike Bartlett

Based on the Enigma Productions Limited motion picture
By arrangement with Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
And Allied Stars S.A. Panama
Screenplay by Colin Welland

“Where does the power come from to see the race to its end? From within”

1924 Paris Olympic Games, Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell race for acceptance and glory as they vie to become the fastest men on Earth.

Based on an extraordinary true story, both men yearn for the simplicity of the track as they battle for their faiths and nation in this inspirational and moving tale of courage, honour and conviction.

A heart-pounding new production set to a soaring musical score, adapted from the Oscar-winning movie by Mike Bartlett (King Charles III) and directed by Robert Hastie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge).

[BurlyBeaR]

Interesting seat layout. They must be doing something with the staging. 

[oxfordsimon]

I directed this 5 years ago and had a ball. The script is taut and tells the story very clearly. Lots of music.

But the races and overall physicality are central to it.

I had a revolve, ramps and seats taken out to create the running track and I still remember the feeling of the cast running round during the curtain call to the main theme from the film. Unforgettable!

[backstage]

The staging looks really interesting! Especially with what those above me have said about a race track. Its a bit of pity I’m due to have a baby that week so probably can’t risk it…

[BurlyBeaR]

Something else going on besides a single running track between D and F. It’s normal for the rows right at the back to not be on sale unless they decide to release more seats later. But row J has the same few intermittent seats showing for every perf but none of them on sale. Maybe another track in front of row J?

[aspieandy]

Disabled pricing FTW.

[BurlyBeaR]

[oxfordsimon]

It doesn't work without the iconic music!

[david]

I’ll be going on Saturday.

[TallPaul]

Make sure you bring your gym kit, our david. A running truck has been laid out in front of the world-famous Crucible Theatre...though walking is strongly encouraged on safety grounds.

[david]

Jul 11, 2024 7:35:15 GMT TallPaul said:

Make sure you bring your gym kit, our david . A running truck has been laid out in front of the world-famous Crucible Theatre...though walking is strongly encouraged on safety grounds.

Will do TallPaul. I’m pretty fast at getting to the ice cream sellers during intervals so I can be available if there are cast absences to do a bit of running if needed!

[david]

It seems fitting that with the Paris Olympic games starting in a few weeks, Robert Hastie's final show as Artistic Director should bring this play to the Crucible stage to mark 100 years since the events that the iconic 1981 film depicts. I certainly enjoyed this one and felt it was well worth the trip across the Pennines for yesterday's matinee viewing.

Robert Hastie and his team have certainly made full use of the Crucible auditorium to bring this revival to the stage. Turning the auditorium into a 1924 sporting arena with a balcony, row E seating is removed allowing for a running track within the seating area. Credit must go to movement director Ben Wright's efforts in in bringing the running element onto stage. With some great use of treadmills, slow-motion choreography and a revolve that gets just a good a workout here as the cast. (the fitness levels of this cast are amazing - plenty of high speed running on treadmills). This is backed up by some clever neon lighting design from Richard Howell. These elements i thought worked really well together. There are also some nice bits of singing from the cast and yes, that iconic theme from the film does make an appearance at the end.

A very watchable cast (get there early to see them warm up and get a free workout routine for your money) with Adam Bregman and Michael Wallace as Abrahams and Liddell respectively doing a really good job in conveying the personal struggles that the two athletes faced in order to reach the Olympics in 1924. Mike Bartlett's writing certainly doesn't shy away from highlighting issues such as antisemitism, standing up for personal religious beliefs as well as the class /social divide with Cambridge University. Whilst the events may be set 100 years ago, these issues are still relatable to today's society. A special mention to Leo Wan who brings some wonderful comedic moments that help lighten the mood. 

Rating - 4 stars (Silver medal)







.  

[richey]

What a wonderful production.
I'd not hesitate to give it a gold medal.
The use of lighting and music as well as the double revolve during the running sections was perfect and the final section very inspirational.
I was rather startled to find myself in the spotlight as two of the characters sat in seats directly behind me for one of the scenes (I'd just assumed the empty seats were due to someone not turning up)
Also loved the way the story was bookended with nods to the 2024 Olympics.

[david]

TallPaul Did you have a good time at the gala night mixing amongst Sheffield’s finest?

[TallPaul]

I prefer to think of it, our david, as Sheffield's finest mixing amongst me. 🤣

There were people there who had paid 10x more for their tickets than I did for mine.

Rob Hastie, wearing a rather smart jacket, gave a very moving speech at the end. Even I was persuaded to put my hand in my pocket!

[n1david]

Jul 25, 2024 18:01:31 GMT TallPaul said:

Rob Hastie, wearing a rather smart jacket, gave a very moving speech at the end. Even I was persuaded to put my hand in my pocket!

To check that nobody had nicked your wallet?