Over a year ago, Lightroom opened in King’s Cross. The impressive new immersive art and exhibition space was launched with lofty goals of putting on “spectacular artist-led shows”. And they sure kicked things off with a strong start. The debut show, a David Hockney retrospective, immediately impressed viewers with its exploration of Lightroom’s capabilities. It proved so popular that it was extended from June, when it was supposed to finish, all the way to December of 2023. It was then succeeded by another larger-than-life spectacle: ‘The Moonwalkers: A Journey With Tom Hanks’.
Co-written and narrated by Tom Hanks, the new show is a spectacular dive into the Apollo space missions. Hanks partnered up with Christopher Riley to write the show. Riley’s past work includes a variety of space exploration films and programmes for the likes of the BBC, National Geographic, Netflix and more.
Moonwalkers
Moonwalkers features original NASA footage, behind-the-scenes clips, images from Andy Saunders’ Apollo Remastered, and new interviews with the astronauts themselves. All of the elements coalesce to offer “a unique perspective on humankind’s past and future voyages to the moon”.
The sheer scale of the production at Lightroom brings the gravity and immensity of the space missions to life. The space is transformed into “an immersive journey to the lunar surface, brought to life by co-directors Nick Corrigan and Lysander Ashton of 59 Productions.”
Accompanying the visuals is an original orchestral score from Anne Nikitin, whose work can be found on streaming platforms and in cinemas. She’s previously scored films such as The Imposter and American Animals, and the Apple TV+ series Hijack. And, of course, there’s that narration from the man behind such iconic performances as Woody, Forrest Gump, and astronaut Captain Jim Lovell in Apollo 13, Tom Hanks.
Why is Tom Hanks narrating it?
This is hardly Hanks’ first foray into space-centric media. As well as his role in Apollo 13, he has produced a miniseries (From the Earth to the Moon) and co-written an IMAX film (Magnificent Desolation: Walking on the Moon 3D) about space. This is in addition to his work with the National Space Society and having been honoured by the Space Foundation.
Needless to say, he’s a bit of a space enthusiast – making him the obvious choice to narrate Moonwalkers.
Said Hanks:
As a youth, I was deeply affected by the Apollo missions finally taking us to the moon for the first time in human history. I would have gone myself, given the chance. I’ve worked on many projects to re-create those times and to bring alive the scale, the risks, and the accomplishment of the voyages; the dedication and commitment of the human being who made each journey, the story of each chapter of Apollo. The extraordinary, unique production capabilities of Lightroom allow me, alongside writer Christopher Riley, directors Nick Corrigan and Lysander Ashton, composer Anne Nikitin, to tell what we believe is the most visceral and enthralling version to date. We can include everyone on humanity’s journey beyond our earth of fifty years ago and for those about to come with a prelude to the next time human beings will walk on the moon: the Artemis missions.
Hanks and Hockney
As if it wasn’t enough to have one impressive show playing, Lightroom is bringing back its hugely successful debut show this summer. That’s right, Hockney’s wonderfully charming and impressive experience will be back on the Lightroom screens this summer.
The return of Hockney’s ‘Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)’ will coincide with Hanks’ Moonwalkers being extended yet again. From June 17 through to October 13, the two shows will play on alternating dates. Wednesdays will see both shows being screened, allowing guests to catch both experiences with one handy visit.
Composite polaroid, 27 3/4 x 51 1/4″, © David Hockney
If you do want to see both shows in one day, you can even nab tickets for both shows at discounted prices. The news just gets better and better! Following their concurrent runs, Lightroom will debut its newest show this autumn. We can’t wait to see what’s in store…
Moonwalkers is playing now at Lightroom and will run until October 13, 2024.
Tickets start at £25 for adults and £15 for students. Head here to learn more and grab your ticket.
📍 Lightroom, 12, Lewis Cubitt Square, N1C 4DY. The nearest station is King’s Cross St. Pancras.