Benny & Hitch by Gounod, Herrmann, B., Van (2022/2022), Dirigent Ben Palmer, Alexandra Palace Theatre, Londen, Verenigd Koninkrijk

By the late 1950s Herrmann and Hitchcock – known to each other as ‘Benny’ and ‘Hitch’ – had formed the most famous composer-director partnership in film history, creating masterpieces of cinema together, including Vertigo, North by Northwest and Psycho. Benny & Hitch is a brand new radio drama – with live orchestral music – about the extraordinary and explosive relationship between director Alfred Hitchcock and composer Bernard Herrmann. With tensions growing between the two maverick artists and change afoot in the movie industry, Benny and Hitch’s collaboration and friendship comes to a catastrophic end at a recording session for the film Torn Curtain. But who is really responsible for the break-up? From beyond the grave, Benny and Hitch set out to determine which man has blood on their hands. You can be in the audience at the Alexandra Palace Theatre for this BBC Radio 3 recording and join us for a thrilling and witty radio drama, featuring actors (to be announced) and live performances of Bernard Herrmann’s film scores by the BBC Concert Orchestra. Tickets are free but must be applied for in advance. You can apply for a maximum of two tickets. Programme: BERNARD HERRMANN Vertigo – Prelude; The Nightmare; Scène d’amour; The Dream Psycho – The Madhouse; The City; The Stairs; Prelude; The Murder; The Rainstorm; Finale North by Northwest – Overture; Conversation Piece; Fandango Torn Curtain – Prelude; The Killing (excerpt) Marnie– Prelude; The Hunt CHARLES GOUNOD Funeral March of a Marionette (theme from ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents’) Actors: Toby Jones - Alfred Hitchcock Tim McInnerny - Bernard Herrmann Joanna Monro - Alma Hitchcock Tara Ward - Lucy Anderson/Tippi Hedren/Musician 2 
Jonathan Forbes - Lew Wasserman/Cary Grant/Paul Newman/Musician 1