Home Alone In Concert, Symphony Hall, Birmingham - review

So a special screening of the 1990 flick was always going to go down a yuletide treat with fans of all ages.

The slap-stick comedy – one of the highest grossing films of all time – stars Macaulay Culkin as young Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left at home when his family flies out to Paris for the holidays.

But last night, fans watched the hit film roll out across the big screen like never before, with a stunning orchestra and choir bringing it to life at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall.

Conductor Ben Palmer and the Czech National Symphony Orchestra had the audience completely mesmerised as soon as the iconic 20th Century Fox Fanfare echoed across the venue during the opening credits.

Scores of musicians seamlessly synchronised with the movie’s countless melodies and tunes - many of which you might never have paid much notice to before.

Birmingham’s Notorious Choir also brought a perfectly-pitched addition to the live music, despite being slightly hidden away in the corner of the stage.

You’d be forgiven for thinking the orchestra and choristers were part of the original score, with a momentary glance down from the big screen reminding you they’re actually in front of your eyes.

There was something so magical about it all. That moment towards the end when Kevin peeps out of his window to see Old Man Marley reuniting with his estranged family in the snow, pulled on the heart strings just that little bit more. Even the credits were more exciting than you’d ever care to realise.

And just when you thought it was all over, a brilliantly bright ‘Happy Holidays’ message popped onto the screen and the whole ensemble burst into an unsuspecting surprise Christmas performance.

What a beautiful way to spread a bit of Christmas joy and really give everyone that ‘fuzzy feeling’.