Emily Parker reviews the stage performance being aired at cinemas on 28th March across the UK.

Over 250 years since George Frideric Handel's death, Handel's Messiah performed by the English Concert Orchestra and the Erebus Ensemble, will be shown in cinemas for one evening only on 28th March across the UK. Handel's Messiah first appeared on the stage in Dublin in 1742 and to this day, the music is still hugely popular in the classical music world.

In short, Messiah tells the story of Jesus Christ: the foretelling of the need of a Saviour, His life, death and resurrection. The words come from the King James Bible and the Book of Common Prayer by Charles Jennens.

In the performance, Jesus (played by Jamie Beddard), is the focal point, surrounded by the chorale and musicians. The set and props are sparse, with few backdrop changes. The costumes aren't overly special and there isn't a huge amount of action by the performers either. You are simply drawn in to the music and the mesmerising talent of the singers. When something significant does happen, it unfolds slowly with little prop support. It was particularly powerful to see how little they did in order to create and build the atmosphere. For example, the use of fake blood being wiped on Jesus' torso to represent the affliction and suffering He was experiencing, and later Jesus being raised above the singers representing His death.

The music takes you on an emotional journey, from anger, through to the more tranquil moments with the likes of 'Comfort Ye My People' and 'His Burthen is Light'.

I have never sat and watched Handel's Messiah in full until I watched this production. I recognise the odd piece here and there like the 'Hallelujah Chorus', which is one of the most famous pieces of Baroque choral music. However watching the music played in sequence and contextually, brings it to life in a very different and somewhat magical way, as you receive a grander appreciation of the music and the story.

Considering you are watching a stage performance on a screen, you don't feel like you lose out too much from not being in the theatre. The camera angles are well thought out and editing is really smooth. You get to see in and amongst the musicians, with good close ups of the performers, without losing the natural theatre feel and setting.

With Easter being more about bunnies and chocolate than Jesus, this is an excellent event to attend. You can find out details of the cinemas and book your ticket here. You can also check out Damaris' blog series featuring interviews with the people behind the performance - the first post is here.