Ben Hur is the epic story of the life and times of Judah Ben-Hur, whose extraordinary journey takes him from wealthy merchant to galley slave to champion charioteer and witness at the Crucifixion. Originally published as a novel in 1880 by American General and author, Lew Wallace, it was William Wyler’s 1959 film, which starred Charlton Heston in the title role, and won 11 Academy Awards.

This ambitious large-scale community project – the first of its kind for Reading – marked the opening of Reading 2016 Year of Culture’s ‘Made in RDG’ showcase – a month of projects celebrating work made by and for the people of Reading. It featured a community cast of over 70 local performers of all ages from across Reading and the surrounding region.

Made possible by support from Arts Council England and Reading Borough Council, in association with The Hexagon, Reading Year of Culture, Reading Studio of Dramatic Art, and Activate Learning.