Skyfall in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall

Skyfall was the first Bond film to rake in more than a billion at the box office, a nice birthday gift considering it was released in the 50^th year of the franchise. Now, as part of the Royal Albert Hall’s 60 Years of Bond series, Anthony Gabriele conducts the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as they play to picture. When MI5 is attacked from within, M (Judi Dench) recruits Bond (Daniel Craig) to stop former agent Silva (Javier Bardem). One of his most dangerous missions yet sees Bond and his employer pushed to their very limits.

Director Sam Mendes is well known for such films as the modern classic American Beauty and the well-received 1917, however, theatre is the art form he has mainly devoted his career to. It is arguably this background that helped enable Mendes to create one of the most theatrical, haunting and emotive Bond films, and one whereby the acting is of the highest calibre. He notably directed Dame Judi Dench in The Cherry Orchard in 1989 and draws out the best of the actor in her Bond swansong. Introducing the film is the man himself – providing an extra treat on top of an already very special event.

When Thomas Newman created the score for Skyfall, he clearly understood the assignment. It is rumoured Mendes insisted on him being involved. Blending classical orchestral sounds with the more contemporary – through far more subtly than in such films as Goldeneye – Newman’s bold score manages to sound fresh and innovative yet also quintessentially Bond. Its complexity aptly matches a multi-layered film that contains all the high-octane action sequences we’d expect along with some of the most atmospheric scenes and cinematography of the series.

We’re straight into the action with one of the most unforgettable Bond openings. The agent is accidentally shot by one of his own before falling to his apparent death. Grand Bazaar, Istanbul puts the orchestra to work and sets the scene for what will be a memorable evening. Skyfall has never sounded so powerful and has the auditorium entranced. A notable aspect of the score is how so many of its pieces incorporate the James Bond theme. On Brave New World it creeps in here and there almost seamlessly. There are also echoes of it on the infectious New Digs. Jelly Fish is one of the more dramatic pieces, while Silhouette powerfully emphasises the scene we are witnessing. Quartermaster is another highlight, its crescendo evoking tremendous tension throughout the vast auditorium. Komodo Dragon sounds like a throwback to Bond of yesteryear with its overt use of strings as Bond enters the casino. It harks back to John Barry, who composed 11 of the Bond films.

The Moors is suitably suspenseful before we plunge into the ethereal Deep Water. The tense Adrenaline closes the film, but audiences have one last treat in store. As the credits roll, Monty Norman’s eminent James Bond Theme has the house enraptured by this timeless piece of music. It instantly transports each of us back to whichever Bond we were first acquainted with.

Arguably the perfect Bond film and undoubtedly elevated by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, who received a well-deserved standing ovation and extended applause, Skyfall in Concert is an experience quite unlike any other.

Jonathan Marshall

For further information and future events visit the Royal Albert Hall’s website here.

Watch the trailer for Skyfall in Concert here: