Circus maximus! ‘Ben Hur Live’ brings horses, eagles, chariot racing to stage of London arena

Stage spectacular ‘Ben Hur Live’ opens in London

LONDON — It has a cast of hundreds, dozens of horses, gladiators, a sea battle and a live chariot race.

A stage version of “Ben Hur” is opening Thursday at London’s 02 arena before going on tour across Europe.

German producer Franz Abraham has worked for 15 years to create “Ben Hur Live”, which features music by Stewart Copeland, former drummer with rock band The Police.

Copeland said the show was “more of a circus of Ben Hur” than a play. In addition to thoroughbred horses, the cast features donkeys, eagles and chickens.

Dialogue is in Latin and Aramaic, with Copeland narrating in English.

The show is based on the 1880 historical novel set in Jerusalem during the lifetime of Jesus Christ. The 1959 film version starring Charlton Heston won 11 Academy Awards.