Review: HOME ALONE IN CONCERT, Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall rang in the festive season with a screening of one of the most-beloved Christmas classics from the 90s. The venue, appropriately decked in fairy lights and Christmas trees, welcomed all ages to appreciate Home Alone accompanied by the Cinematic Sinfonia and the Crouch End Festival Chorus.

Ben Palmer came back to conduct John Williams' fa-la-la-la-lavish score in an experience that kicked off the holidays for many in the audience. Scattered in the seats, red and green jumpers and even a few twinkling necklaces made an appearance to witness little Kevin McCallister's malarkey. After the 8-year-old troublemaker is mistakenly forgotten at home when his family flies to Paris, he finds himself having to fend off two burglars who are wrecking havoc in the neighbourhood.

His ever-green booby traps and pranks have become household names and the film itself is the highest grossing Christmas film of all time at North American box office. Needless to say, Home Alone was an exceptionally joyous choice to present as the last instalment of the venue's Films in Concert series.

From the 20th Century Fox intro (which, it's to be said, has an entirely different effect when played live) to the credits, the orchestra is astounding. Their music plays seamlessly with the film; the public nearly forgot that they're not listening to the original pre-recorded soundtrack until Palmer reined them in and reminded them with delicate flourishes that they're witnessing real-life talent.

Three rounds of applause weren't enough and, even as the musicians were starting to leave, here and there hands kept clapping in the auditorium, most appreciative. As presented by the Hall, Home Alone became much more than a silly Christmas comedy and was turned into a true, sophisticated treat for the holidays.

The Royal Albert Hall is reprising their Films in Concert series in 2019.

Photo credit: Cindy Marcolina

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