Vox Lumiere to Present Live Concert of Metropolis in Ilkley on September 25, 2026

This autumn, Leeds will welcome a unique event that merges the worlds of film and live music as Vox Lumiere presents a reimagined version of the classic silent film Metropolis. This concert experience is set to take place at King’s Hall on September 25, 2026, and promises to be a captivating blend of cinema and live performance.

Vox Lumiere and Its Unique Approach

Vox Lumiere is an innovative performance company based in Los Angeles, known for creating original productions that synchronise live music with silent films. The upcoming performance of Metropolis is not just a traditional film screening; it is described as a “rock concert meets silent film.” This means that the audience will experience the film accompanied by a newly composed score performed live, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.

The production is created by Kevin Saunders Hayes, who has a rich background in composing music for films. He aims to ensure that the score not only complements the film but also stands out on its own as a concert experience.

“We approached this as a live show first,” Hayes remarked. “The goal was to create a score that could exist independently as a concert experience, while still being completely integrated with the film.”

A Fresh Take on a Classic Film

Metropolis, originally released in 1927, is a landmark in film history, known for its stunning visuals and groundbreaking special effects. In this new interpretation, the music is designed to drive the emotional arc of the film, making the audience feel even more connected to the story. The score features a mix of electronic, orchestral, and alternative musical styles, ensuring that it appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Unlike traditional film scores that often serve as background music, the live performance will place the music at the forefront. This means audiences can expect a dynamic and engaging experience, where the music actively shapes the mood and atmosphere of the film.

Part of a Larger UK Tour

The Leeds performance is part of a broader UK tour taking place throughout September and October 2026. This marks the first time Vox Lumiere has brought this live concert format to British audiences, following successful performances in North America and Europe.

Tour dates include:

• September 8 – The Old Rep, Birmingham

• September 9 – Harlow Playhouse, Harlow

• September 10 – Epsom Playhouse, Epsom

• September 12 – The Old Market, Hove

• September 13 – Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester

• September 15 – Eric Morecambe Centre, Harpenden

• September 16 – Lowther Pavilion, Lytham St Annes

• September 17 – The Lyric Theatre, Llanelli

• September 18 – Theatre Royal Winchester, Winchester

• September 19 – The Tung Auditorium, Liverpool

• September 20 – The Woodville, Gravesend

• September 22 – The Fire Station, Sunderland

• September 23 – BEAM, Hertford

• September 24 – Huntingdon Hall, Worcester

• September 25 – King’s Hall, Ilkley

• September 26 – Greenwich Theatre, London

• October 7 – Komedia, Bath

• October 8 – Playhouse Whitley Bay, Whitley Bay

• October 10 – Hever Festival Theatre, Hever

• October 11 – The Plaza, Stockport

Audience Reactions and Expectations

The production has already received positive feedback from audiences and critics alike. Described as “spectacularly unique,” it combines elements of a rock concert with dance and theatre, all intertwined with the silent film experience. Audience members can expect to be captivated, cheering and possibly even dancing along to the music.

Reviews have praised the show:

• “Hayes’ music is always interesting, intriguing and crosses every genre from gothic to punk to pop.” – The Daily Breeze

• “A captivating, one-of-a-kind experience that had the audience cheering, singing and ready to dance!” – Buzzine

How to Get Involved

Tickets for the Leeds performance and the rest of the UK tour can be found on the Vox Lumiere website. As interest grows in hybrid formats that merge live performance with film, this event offers a fantastic opportunity for both film lovers and music enthusiasts to experience a classic in a new light.

For anyone looking to explore a fresh take on a timeless classic, the performance of Metropolis by Vox Lumiere promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with music, emotion, and artistry.