Ben Hur - The Stadium Spectacular

Imagine spending $300 on a ticket to a big show and most of the dialogue is pre-recorded and way out of synch with the moving lips of the actors.

This was the reality for many in the crowd at Stadium Australia in a performance that I think should have been re-named Maximus Sillius.

This grand arena production of the famous movie and fable was slow and far too thin on the wow factor.

I understand the French Director had great difficulty with the language barrier, explaining what he wanted to cast, and it showed.

To be fair my twelve-year-old son absolutely loved the production and thought it was the best show he had ever seen – but was that the age group the drama was pitched at.

We got close ups on the big screen of the actors gesticulating like bad actors in a pantomime.

There were cartoon-like freezes in the action, which made absolutely no sense.

Only when the Director allowed a performer to speak live to the crowd, during an audience participation (we got to wave flags) mass wrestling match, did this production have any spark.

There were some great moments.

200 Roman Warriors in formation, even though one fell over. An impressive ship was constructed.

Then of course there was the famous chariot race, when we finally got the chance to be excited.

But our handsome lead - Ben Hur - did not take part in the race. A stunt double who looked nothing like him was the jockey.

There was no Charlton Heston-like dangerous stunt with chariots bouncing into each other. Rather, the race just fizzled away.

One poor fellow who paid $300 for his ticket told me he got value for money. I think not.

For those on the extreme discount rate it was a reasonable night out.

With guest appearances by a number of Rugby League players it was like a cross between a documentary on the history channel and the Footy Show on steroids.

David Spicer