REVIEW: Chariots of Fire, Hampstead Theatre (2012) Crucible Sheffield July 2024
Edward Hall directs in a reconfigured Hampstead Theatre with a double revolve stage and the audience circling the stage. A running track surrounds the stage with some of the audience sitting inside the track, others higher up in the circle and above with advertising banners for Lipton's Tea and other period products. The opening scene sees modern British Olympic contenders, warming up, give way to men in 1920s athletics kit, poised on starting blocks and running around the track to Vangelis's beautiful film score. Scott Ambler has choreographed the runners who prepare, limber up and then fly round the stadium. It is exciting and looks dangerous as they make the turns at speed.