'Ben Hur Live' set for world premiere

'Ben Hur Live' will enjoy its world premiere today, featuring actors, acrobats, dancers, horses, donkeys, eagles and chickens.

London's O2 will play host to gladiator fights, a sea battle and, of course, chariot racing.

More than 400 people are involved in the production as well as 100 animals, including thoroughbred horses which will race at full pelt around the arena.

The show is based on the 1880 novel by Lewis Wallace.

The novel was adapted for the classic 1959 film which starred Charlton Heston and won 11 Oscars.

The highlight of the spectacular will see five chariots of four horses racing against each other inside the 360 degree 2,500 square metre arena.

Some 40 horses and charioteers underwent 12 months of intensive training to take part.

The two-hour show is the creation of German producer Franz Abraham who spent 15 years bringing his dream to fruition.

It stars little-known actor Sebastian Thrun in the lead role as Judah Ben Hur.

Stewart Copeland, drummer with The Police, will narrate the events and also composed the music.