Review: Luminiscence at Westminster Cathedral

Luminescence is a state of the art multimedia version of 'son et lumiere' utilising a 360 degree video projection using 24 laser projections that has enlivened iconic churches and cathedrals across Europe, South America and the USA. Recently debuting in the UK at Manchester cathedral it is now lighting up the heart of the Metropolis.

Last week, Luminescence premiered at Westminster Cathedral, conveying a 50 minute dazzling dynamic display with a succession of vibrant colourful designs totally illuminating the interior.

A specially invited audience was welcomed by Archishop Richard Moth of Westminster to a celebration of "the history, life and mission of this great Cathedral", through light, music and poetry. He hoped it would bring new visitors to encounter "a place apart" from the busy life of the city.

The astounding Lux Aeterna choir performed stirring classics to the accompaniment of a fourteen piece orchestral soundtrack culminating in the rousing rendition of Beethoven's Ode to Joy as an electrifying explosion of colourful imagery enveloped the domes, arches and marble pillars of the Neo Byzantine gem.

The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Precious Blood is the mother church for Catholics in England and Wales but affords a warm welcome to all visitors of differing traditions. Built on the site of a prison from 'House of Correction' to 'House of Our Lord'', on land that Dickens described as a slum in a swamp.

The cathedral designed by architect John Francis Bentley, opened in 1903 and was consecrated in 1910. The interior was never completed, due to the architect's death and the cost.

Succeeding generations made their mark and continue to do so. A rich composite of mosaics from different decades adorns the side chapels, but smoke from incense and candles blackened the domed brick ceilings. An impression of Bentley's dream of an interior sparkling with glittering mosaics and golden domed ceilings can now be visualised in this immersive experience.

Hugh Bonnevile, popular star of 'Paddington', 'Downton Abbey' and the BBC spoof 'WIA', narrates a fascinating history of this distinctive London landmark, whose 284 foot campanile towers over London vistas, and features daily on ITV News at Ten. Bonneville's distinctive dulcet tones provide the perfect voiceover.

Catholic writer and actor Tim Withnall wrote the script with additional material from the Cathedral Precentor, Fr.Patrick van der Vorst, who had seen Luminescence in Paris and considered Westminster Cathedral an ideal venue and enhance it's profile.

Withnall, a Bafta and Olivier award winner, includes quirky anecdotes such as the fact that the vast Rood with the Crucifixion on one side and the figure of Mary, Mother of God on the other, overhanging the Nave, is the length of a London bus, and a comedic one liner 'I love London, but it will be nice when it is finished'-applying it to the cathedral.

At the same time, he stresses the prayerfulness of the place that resonates spiritually with all of its multi cultural visitors.

The visuals and sound effects of the London Blitz are a startling contrast to the flow of artistic depictions. Blitzkrieg to birdsong resound around the cathedral. It was fascinating to learn that the vast crater caused by a bomb between the Cathedral choir school's playground and Victoria's Morpeth Terrace, where Churchill lived until 1939, was utilised as the cathedral vegetable garden for the rest of the war.

Lotchi, the organisers of Luminescence Westminster aim to 'make sacred places vibrate by opening them to a new form of storytelling, which touches all generations, all cultures, all sensibilities…. Through light, sound and narration, we hope to offer everyone a suspended, intimate, universal moment.'

The finale is an overwhelming outpouring of stunning mosaics and frescoes reminiscent of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel at one moment and Hagai Sophia and St. Marks'Venice another, exuding a great sense of theatricality in a profound crescendo of musicality, breathtaking beauty and exuberance.

An evening of awe inspiring modern technology offering a sensational spectacle and elevating experience. Not to be missed.

A beautifully presented programme, 'The story of Westminster Cathedral' accompanies this innovative production. Priced at £8 it is a memorable souvenir. Fascinating sepia photographs portray through fifteen chapters the cathedral's history alongside Luminescence's poetic script and details of the inspiring musical selections.

There is also a watercolour print depicting a vision of what the cathedral could look like with completed mosaics covering its walls and ceilings.

Fr Slawomir Witon, the cathedral Dean, praises the production as 'a living canvas of colour, movement and beauty'. He says the cathedral continues to inspire wonder though its artistry and spiritual atmosphere; 'It's mosaics created over decades remain among the Cathedral's defining treasures and symbols of a vision still unfolding today.'

Until mid-September Wednesday -Saturday performances 9pm

Then two performances at 7.30 and 9pm until January. Times may vary.

For more details and bookings online see: https://luminiscence.com/london/

(Under 5's free).