The Princess Bride is perhaps one of the most quoted and loved films that has come out of the 1980s. With its classic adventure-romance story, countless cameos by huge names and a long list of quotable quotes that have made it into everyday speech, it’s no wonder it has such a cult fan base.
At this year’s Adelaide Guitar Festival, Adelaide audiences get the chance to see the film projected onto a huge screen accompanied by a live symphony orchestra and the Adelaide Guitar Festival’s artistic director, Slava Grigoryan.
Hosting the film is much loved comedian, musical actor and one third of the hugely successful comedy trio Tripod, Steven Gates.
Steven recently spoke to Glam Adelaide about The Princess Bride In Concert, as well as if he, and the rest of Tripod, ever thought they would become the huge international success that they are?
“Maybe some people engineer their careers for worldwide domination, but that certainly wasn’t us. There was a crossroads when we were on the telly and we had our Triple-J profile and our manager did ask us where we wanted to live and focus our career. We all said Australia. I think in retrospect it was not a great idea because we could have actually gone and tried to have a profile overseas, but at the same time this incredible act called Flight Of The Conchords had started and they were so unique and so different. They really filled that hole for many people around the world to the point that when we did go overseas we’d often be introduced as New Zealanders. We worked together for 27 years and have kind of gone into a bit of a indefinite break which has been really great to recharge and spend time with the family”
We asked Steven what he thinks it is about The Princess Bride that still makes it such a popular film so many years after its original release?
“When it was released in 1987, it didn’t do very well at the box office, which is really strange. It had a star-studded cast and was full of cameos as well. The film has the perfect combination of adventure, fantasy, comedy and really incredibly dry humour.”
Mark Knopfier’s score is simply stunning. From simple, single lined classical guitar melodies, to soaring full orchestral moments, it is magical to listen to.
“It’s such a wonderful experience to hear Mark Knopfler’s stunning score played by a live orchestra and Slava Grigoryan’s guitar playing as well – it brings tears to your eyes. Slava and I are huge fans of the film. What also is great is for some of the audiences who attend, it’s the first time they’ve seen a symphony orchestra perform live, so that just makes the whole thing that bit more special.”
Steven shared with Glam Adelaide his love for performing in Adelaide.
“I got to do a show with Tripod several years ago with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra called This Gaming Life. It was terrific to work with them. I love performing in Adelaide. I’ve always been since when the Fringe was biannual, in the early or late 90s, Audiences are so appreciative. There’s a real appetite for performance. Melbourne audiences tend to be a more arms folded type of audience, where Adelaide loves to show their appreciation.”
Fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles… and Artistic Director Slava Grigoryan performing the evocative Mark Knopfler score! Experience one of the most beloved films of all time as never before, with the power of the Southern Cross Symphony Orchestra, performing the entire musical score live-to-picture.
Missing this cinematic concert experience would be inconceivable!
The Princess Bride In Concert – Adelaide Guitar Festival
Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
September 28th (7pm), 29th (1pm and 6pm)
https://guitar.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/whats-on/the-princess-bride
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