With a new year rolling around, and with it a new batch of film anniversaries, I thought I’d take a look at the type of event (often put on in celebration of anniversaries) that seems to have become increasingly popular in recent years: the presentation of a film, with its score played along live. Now, I have only attended one such event (they often don’t come cheap so you have to really want to go), but I believe that the experience of the live music isn’t one that would necessarily vary wildly in quality from film to film (often it is films with iconic scores or composers that are honoured with such performances), so I think I have enough to go on.

Back in 2015, I went to Interstellar Live at the Royal Albert Hall. The main chunk of the evening was the exclusive screening of the film, with the score played by Hans Zimmer and orchestra. The extent of the difference between having a score played live and being relayed a digital recording through cinema speakers is astronomical (pun inadvertently intended). Anyone who has been to any concert can attest that nothing can beat live music, and with the audio coupled with the visual here it makes for an amazing experience. It adds to the atmosphere so much, and you can really feel the music in your bones. It truly intensifies the viewing experience, wrapping you up in the film like never before; if you’ve seen Interstellar and thought the docking sequence was stratospherically intense already, live is a whole other story. The impeccable timing of the orchestra is an extraordinary feat, and if you are lucky enough to have the score’s composer play with the orchestra, you have a chance to hear a master at work. Occasionally, the swell of sound may overpower the dialogue on screen, but what can you expect – it is very infrequent, and chances are if you are at one of these events you have seen the film already (multiple times perhaps) so won’t be lost in any way. These events really are events, and can provide real ‘I was there’ moments. Live scores undoubtedly elevate the film and provide an entirely new experience; I cannot imagine someone attending one of these events and feeling let down.

As Interstellar Live was also a world premiere exclusive event, the evening also hosted an on-stage pre-show talk between Christopher Nolan, Hans Zimmer and Kipp Thorne (executive producer and the theoretical physicist whose work is behind the science of the film), hosted by Brian Cox, and introduced by the incredible Stephen Hawking. Following this, Sir Michael Caine took to the stage to introduce the film itself, and share a few anecdotes along the way. The talk was very insightful, special and exciting – Thorne even brought a powerpoint-esque presentation to help explain some of the theories behind the film. Having such a conversation prior to the film also helped to enrich the experience as, not only will you have heard from the minds behind the film, but will be equipped with fresh knowledge to reinvigorate your viewing experience.

There was also a smallish red carpet outside (which was also attended by producer Emma Thomas, and Jessica Chastain, whom I met – she was absolutely lovely), so for those who want to nab an autograph or share a moment with their favourite director/ composer/ actor/ scientist, there was also that opportunity. The size also made it much more intimate than I imagine the sprawling Leicester Square carpet of the film’s premiere was. Not all live score events have such appearances, although if it is a premiere, it is likely to attract some familiar faces, and give you a chance to see, or even meet, your idols.

As well as the show itself, these events also attract a crowd of fans together meaning that there is a palpable and shared excitement in the room, which no doubt adds to the overall experience.

These events are often put on for beloved films, or ones with particularly magnificent scores, be it that they have iconic themes or play a big part in their films, so you know they’ll be of the highest quality. Live Score screenings are undoubtedly worth going to if you enjoy live music, have a particular interest in cinematic scores, or, you are a fan of the film that is playing. I would wholeheartedly recommend attending any of the live score events (particularly at the Albert Hall as it is such an incredible venue). They are often once-in-a-lifetime experiences, or at least something every able cinema-lover should experience at least once in their lifetime.