Edward Hall's CHARIOTS OF FIRE Opens at the Gielgud Theatre

As London gets ready to welcome the world to the 2012 Olympic Games, Edward Hall's five star production of Chariots of Fire opened 3 July 2012 at the West End's Gielgud Theatre following its critically acclaimed sell-out run at Hampstead Theatre. Inspired by Colin Welland's original screenplay, award-winning playwright Mike Bartlett's new adaptation is based on the true story of Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams' inspirational tale of hope, honour and belief. Chariots of Fire is currently booking at the Gielgud Theatre to 10 November 2012.

Designer Miriam Buether has transformed the Gielgud Theatre into immersive stadia experience, evoking the spirit of the 1924 Paris Olympic Games. Costumes are by Michael Howells with lighting by Rick Fisher, choreography by Scott Ambler and sound by Paul Groothuis. The production features the legendary music of Vangelis with additional live music and arrangements by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Carr.

The cast, led by Jack Lowden as Eric Liddell and James McArdle as Harold Abrahams comprises Sam Archer (Athlete), Joe Bannister (Frank), Antonia Bernath (Florence Mackenzie), Natasha Broomfield (Jennie Liddell), Gareth Charlton (Athlete), Henry Davis (Athlete), Mark Edel-Hunt (Aubrey Montague), Lloyd Everitt (Athlete), Daniel Fraser (Athlete), Nickolas Grace (Master Of Trinity), Leemore Marrett Jr (Athlete), David Newman (Prince of Wales), Matthew Pearson (Sandy McGrath), Simon Slater (Mr Liddell/Foster), Savannah Stevenson (Sybil Gordon), Paul Tinto (Secretary of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society), Simon Williams (Master of Caius), Tam Williams (Lord Andrew Lindsay) and Nicholas Woodeson (Sam Mussabini).

1924. The Paris Olympic Games. A devout Scottish Christian runs for the glory of God. The son of an immigrant Lithuanian Jew runs to overcome predjudice. Two young track athletes who live for the beautiful purity of running and who prevail in the face of overwhelming odds.

Jack Lowden's previous roles include Cammy in the Laurence Olivier award-winning Black Watch for The National Theatre of Scotland which was also seen at the Barbican and on tour worldwide. On television his credits include Blue Haven and Being Victor.

James McArdle has previously been seen on stage in The Heart of Robin Hood for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Emperor and Galilean for The National Theatre, A Month in The Country for Chichester Festival Theatre, Spur of The Moment for the Royal Court and Macbeth at The Globe Theatre. His television appearances include The Best Possible Taste, Appropriate Adult and Page Eight. McArdle has also appeared in the film Private Peaceful.

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