Jurassic Park in Concert at the Royal Concert Hall Nottingham Review

Reviewed by Louise Edwards

Last night in Nottingham saw a wonderful combination of the classics as orchestral music clashed with Hollywood blockbuster cinema at Jurassic Park in Concert.

To celebrate 25 years since its first release multi award winning movie, Jurassic Park, is projected in HD with the accompaniment of a full symphony orchestra courtesy of the Czech National Symphony Orchestra and conductor Ben Palmer.

When dinosaur DNA is found preserved in amber from millions of years ago, millionaire John Hammond (played by Richard Attenborough) sets about an ambitious project to create the ultimate theme park on a secluded island, featuring clones of the prehistoric beasts. Ahead of opening to the public he hosts a group of specialists, renounced palaeontologists and his own grandchildren with the hope of then endorsing his venture. Things take a turn for the worse when a disgruntled employee at the park plots to steal the dinosaur DNA to sell to a competitor, deactivating the security system in his bid to escape quickly. This leads to mayhem as carnivorous dinosaurs roam free and the battle commences. The inspiring film a favourite of many people due to its ground-breaking use of technology available at the time, is brought to life visually on the huge screen.

The 69-piece orchestra sit underneath the big screen in full view, with the string set at the front. They play John Williams’ iconic musical score to create an unbelievable atmosphere and magical spectacle. The live music adds depth and substance to the element of cinema experience as the vibrations from the bass echo the thud of dinosaur feet. The result is a sensory explosion to rival any other. It is impossible to fully describe the power of watching the intense scenes in the film with an incredible orchestra booming out over the top providing plenty of goosebump moments. This show would be a hit with movie fans and those who appreciate classical music equally and opens up both to new audiences. Don’t miss this wonderful night out at a theatre near you on its UK tour!

The show runs for 2 hours 30 minutes including a 20-minute interval (to catch your breath).

Rating: 5/5

For other shows at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham visit www.trch.co.uk or call the box office on 0115 989 5555.

Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND