The Moonwalkers review: 'I'll never go to the Moon but Tom Hanks did his best to help'

If ever there was a subject ripe for the 'immersive' (big screens on all sides) attractions that have become so popular, it is the Moon landings.

The Moonwalkers at Lightroom, King's Cross, tells that story with the irresistible narration of Tom Hanks. Some of the actors' misty-eyed recollections may be corny, but they are both true and emotionally true.

As you arrive for the 52-minute show, you are led down corridors fit for a NASA control centre, before emerging in the screening room, with scattered comfortable bench seating and floor cushions.

The film, co-written by Hanks and Christopher Riley, is projected on four walls and the floor. It uses archive footage and testimony from those involved in the space travel game to tell the story of the six missions which have landed people on the moon.

Only 12 people have ever done so - of the estimated 117,000,000,000 who have ever lived. It's remarkable really, since it will soon be 55 years since Armstrong left that footprint.

In part, the film aims to promote the Artemis missions, which it is hoped will return mankind to the Moon's surface during this decade, including the first woman and the first person of colour.

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The production draws the audience into the sense of ambition and peril, with spectacular footage of lift-off, the Earth and the magnificent alien surface of the Moon.

The casual seating creates a comfortable atmosphere for an audience of all ages. At the screening I attended, a very young toddler was seemingly oblivious to the amazing images all around, only interested in exploring the ramp of this mysterious cube in which she found herself, before finally watching in amazement as the lunar lander lifted itself back into space.

It's a sense of wonder which runs through the whole thing. While there will always be debate about the use of resources when so many people on Earth are suffering, I can't help but embrace the endeavour.

Famously, we went to space and found a new perspective on our home planet, but still we look outwards with yearning.

Tom Hanks on The Moonwalkers

Tom Hanks said: “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 have allowed me, alongside writer Christopher Riley, directors Nick Corrigan and Lysander Ashton, and 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 50 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.”

The Moonwalkers features an orchestral score by Anne Nikitin, recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios.

The Moonwalkers tickets

Lightroom is in King's Cross, near Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard. The address is Lewis Cubitt Square, London, N1C 4DY.

The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks runs until October 13 2024. Tickets are available from the Lightroom website from £25 for one adult.

Lightroom is also bringing back David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away) from June 17. Tickets are available now.