Balletbat at the Barbican for BATMAN: LIVE
Attending the ‘Batman Live’ performance was already an electrifying proposition, but then it just went to an even higher stratosphere.
Thanks to batforcetom, grace_nyc18, and mgplivenyc, I was invited to attend the orchestral dress rehearsal, beforehand.
Carl Newman and ‘Batman Live’ conductor James Olmstead
In this relaxed, casual setting, I was able to get a privileged insight, into how an incredible symphonic orchestra, could add even more richness, texture and colour, to an already stunning score. Living every moment, of the drama, tension, beauty, love, sadness and humour…the sheer breadth of the music was palpable.
I grabbed the opportunity to meet, talk and have a photograph with the brilliant conductor James Olmstead. James was at the helm of all the American shows and now London and Europe. We hit it off immediately, as he was so friendly and down to earth.
Just before the evening performance started, I had time to mingle with a number of fans. They knew I was going to be around and were eager to bag some @balletbat1989 autographs.
The show was literally mind blowing, the atmosphere ratcheted up to the highest level. The orchestra totally in the zone. You have the perfect ingredients. The most iconic and dark, brooding, Gotham, seminal movie from Tim Burton. Danny Elfman’s stellar score, intermixed with Prince’s wondrous songs. The dialogue was all there and then you had the live music, which hit you straight in the solar plexus.
Such a revelation and then I seized the moment afterwards with the fans. I managed to usher them over to a free table. Signings from my own Batman archive, their memorabilia and selfies were all welcomed with open arms. Some of the gifts offered by the fans, simply overwhelming and heartfelt. It was the crowning glory, to one of the most moving evenings of my life. To know that I was a big part of Pop Culture, with my specialised scenes and that the fans were truly appreciative of my work. The love of the fans, was reciprocated by @balletbat1989 🖤🦇💛
