Hollywood Adventure
Durham Gala
Theatre
Until Friday
11 September 2026
Now a
regular feature at the Gala, North East Film Orchestra is comprised of 68 of
the finest musicians in the region, under the baton of multi-talented musician
and showman, Lewis Wilkinson. Here they present a choice programme of the best
music from classic adventure movies in a captivating evening’s entertainment.
When I say
that the North East Film Orchestra is led by Bradley Creswick, internationally
renowned violinist and Leader Emeritus of the Royal Northern Sinfonia, you will
perhaps understand the calibre of musicians that make up this stunning
ensemble.
Lewis Wilkinson,
the Music Director, is a prolific and versatile artist, conducting various
ensembles of different types throughout the region, as well as being a
multi-talented performer in his own right. His carefully curated selections and
his detailed and exuberant conducting style have helped the Orchestra to showcase
both their technical prowess and the sheer beauty and emotive power of great film
music.
It is fair
to say that most of us take film music for granted, except in movie musicals.
But, as violinist and music psychologist, Kelly Jakubowski, reminded us in a
brief but fascinating talk, so much would be lost in terms of tension, emotion
and dramatic power, without it.
All the
pieces in this programme stand on their own as first rate orchestral music but
they also conjure for us memories of the classic films in which they featured. From
Erich Korngold’s rousing score for the 1938 swashbuckler, ‘The Adventures of
Robin Hood’ and Maurice Jarre’s sweeping overture to ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ to
the exhilarating fun of John Williams’ score for ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, the
evening provided multiple delights.
Other
highlights included Dave Tomson’s haunting performance of Ennio Morricone’s ‘Gabriel’s
Oboe’ from ‘The Mission’ and Elizabeth Woods soaring soprano solo in Hans
Zimmer’s ‘Now We Are Free’ from ‘Gladiator.’ Jeremy Harbottle also gave us a
jaunty and engaging cello solo, conjuring the swagger, or perhaps stagger, of
Jack Sparrow in Klaus Badelt’s terrific score for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean.’ They
even made time for a personal favourite of mine from Michael Giachino’s lilting
and emotive score for Pixar’s ‘Up.’
The
orchestra has a wonderful feel of expert musicians all attuned to each other
and the music, delivering a strong sense of the joy of performing, which
quickly communicates itself to the audience. I do not wish to spoil the
surprise for Friday’s audience so I will only say, make sure your applause is
strong enough to trigger the unexpected delight of the encore.
The North East
has many jewels in its musical crown to rival the best in the country. I’m
thinking of ensembles like Royal Northern Sinfonia and The Strictly Smokin’ Big
Band, among others. The North East Film Orchestra is a welcome and worthy addition
to this illustrious group.
The
Orchestra returns to the Gala on 21 and 22 May 2027 with an evening of
Hollywood Musicals. I strongly recommend booking ahead as they are likely to
sell out quickly. I know I won’t miss it.
Review: Jonathan Cash
Tickets:
Tickets
available from: Hollywood Musicals
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