Marvel superheroes on stage
Audiences assemble! A new show is bringing the Marvel films and comics to life.
Ever since the release of Iron Man in 2008, film fans have been treated to lots of superhero films set inside the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This series of connected stories has introduced millions of people to some of the most popular characters in comic-book history, including Black Panther, Gamora, Hulk, Spider-Man and Thor. Marvel Universe LIVE! ,a new stage production featuring many of these MCU heroes and villains, is now touring the UK.
In the show, members of the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy join forces against Loki, who has stolen the powerful Wand of Watoomb – a weapon fans might recognise from Doctor Strange. The superheroes must get it back, or the universe will never be the same again. Along the way, they’ll have to defeat other villains too – including Green Goblin, Lizard, Nebula and Rhino.
The production combines special effects, 3D video projection and incredible stunts, bringing the world of Marvel to life for the audience. Luke Sexton, who plays Captain America, told The Week Junior, “It’s amazing. Honestly, when the costume comes on, it completely changes your mindset. I feel like I become Captain America when I wield the shield, and it’s even better when I can see audience members enjoying it in their own costumes.”
Putting together such a physical show isn’t easy. Sexton explained, “It’s a pretty intense process. Everyone in the cast has to go through bootcamp, which is a week of intense training. Even if that person isn’t a specialist in a particular area or has to do those stunts in the show, they have to try everything: parkour, fire training, fight training. We never stop rehearsing.”
Marvel Universe LIVE! is at the O2 in London until 6 October. It will then tour the UK until 8 December. To find out more, visit marveluniverselive.com