How to train your dragon in concert

How to Train Your Dragon in Concert

About the Event

Prepare to be swept away by the magic and thunderous roars of a beloved cinematic saga as How to Train Your Dragon in Concert descends upon the iconic London Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, 2 November 2025. This isn’t just a screening; it’s an immersive journey back to the windswept isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons forge unbreakable bonds. Witness the breathtaking spectacle of the Oscar®-nominated film, How to Train Your Dragon, brought to life like never before. Performed live by a magnificent orchestra, the soaring, emotionally resonant score by John Powell will fill the hallowed halls of the Royal Albert Hall, perfectly synchronised with every heart-pounding moment, every tear-jerking scene, and every triumphant flight. This unique fusion of film and live orchestral performance offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the magic of Berk and its inhabitants with all your senses. It’s a chance to relive the adventure, feel the power of Hiccup and Toothless’s friendship, and be captivated by the sheer artistry of both the animated storytelling and the magnificent musical composition.

About How to Train Your Dragon in Concert

The phenomenon that is How to Train Your Dragon began with the release of the first film in 2010, instantly capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. Directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, and produced by DreamWorks Animation, the film was an immediate critical and commercial success. Based on Cressida Cowell’s children’s book series, it tells the story of Hiccup, a scrawny Viking teenager who befriends a dragon he names Toothless, defying the traditions of his dragon-slaying tribe. The film’s stunning animation, compelling characters, and deeply emotional narrative were lauded by critics, earning it two Academy Award nominations, including Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.

The sequel, How to Train Your Dragon 2, released in 2014, was met with even greater acclaim, praised for its maturity, ambition, and expanding scope. It delved deeper into the complex relationship between Hiccup and Toothless, introduced formidable new villains, and explored themes of destiny and family. This installment also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. The trilogy concluded with How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World in 2019, a poignant and satisfying farewell to the characters and their world, earning another nomination for Best Animated Feature.

Central to the enduring appeal of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise is the masterful musical score composed by John Powell. His work is not merely background music; it is an integral part of the storytelling, driving the emotional narrative and elevating the action sequences to exhilarating heights. Powell’s scores are celebrated for their sweeping melodies, epic grandeur, and poignant intimacy. Tracks like “Test Drive,” with its sense of exhilarating freedom and wonder, have become instantly recognisable and synonymous with the films. The memorable “This Is Berk” captures the spirit of the Viking community, while the more tender moments are underscored with exquisite, heart-wrenching beauty. Powell’s ability to evoke such a vast range of emotions, from the thrill of flight to the pain of loss, has cemented his scores as some of the most beloved in contemporary film music. How to Train Your Dragon in Concert is a direct testament to the power of his compositions, allowing audiences to experience these iconic musical pieces performed live, with all the richness and sonic depth they deserve. This concert event offers a unique opportunity to appreciate Powell’s genius and the symphonic brilliance that underpins the visual marvel of the films.

Venue Information

The Royal Albert Hall is one of the world’s most famous and prestigious performance venues, a Grade I listed building in South Kensington, London. Opened in 1871, it is renowned for its distinctive circular auditorium and its unparalleled acoustics. Throughout its long and storied history, it has hosted a diverse range of events, from classical music concerts and opera to rock concerts, sporting events, and award ceremonies. Its grand architecture and opulent interior provide a truly magnificent setting for any performance, and an evening at the Royal Albert Hall is an experience in itself. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for an evening that transcends the traditional cinema experience. How to Train Your Dragon in Concert presents the full, visually stunning first film projected onto a massive high-definition screen, enveloping you in the world of Hiccup and Toothless. As the narrative unfolds, a spectacular live orchestra will perform John Powell’s iconic, Oscar®-nominated score in perfect sync with the on-screen action.

The setlist highlights will undoubtedly include the most memorable and emotionally charged pieces from the film. You can anticipate the soaring, optimistic strains of “Test Drive” as Hiccup and Toothless experience the sheer joy of flight for the first time, a moment that perfectly encapsulates the film’s themes of freedom and discovery. The powerful and anthemic “This Is Berk” will likely resonate through the hall, capturing the proud, if somewhat misguided, spirit of the Viking village. Expect the tender and introspective melodies that underscore Hiccup’s burgeoning friendship with Toothless, offering moments of quiet intimacy and profound connection. Of course, the climactic battle sequences will be amplified by the full might of the orchestra, with Powell’s dynamic compositions driving the on-screen drama to its thrilling conclusion.

The performance style is one of seamless integration. The orchestra’s conductor will guide the musicians with precision, ensuring every note, every crescendo, and every delicate pianissimo aligns perfectly with the visual cues. The aim is to create an immersive, almost palpable connection between the music and the film, allowing the score to breathe life into the animated world and amplify its emotional impact. You will feel the thunder of the dragons, the rush of the wind, and the quiet beat of a Viking heart, all through the power of live orchestral performance.

The approximate duration of the event, including the film and musical performance, is typically around 2 hours and 30 minutes, with one interval. This allows ample time to absorb the full narrative and the breathtaking musical score.

FAQs

Q1: Will the entire How to Train Your Dragon film be shown? Yes, the full, feature-length version of the Oscar®-nominated film How to Train Your Dragon will be screened. The live orchestra performs the entire original score, perfectly synchronised with the film’s visuals.

Q2: Is this a concert featuring John Powell himself? While John Powell is the composer of the magnificent score, this event features a live orchestra performing his music. The conductor will be leading the ensemble in bringing his acclaimed work to life.

Q3: What is the age recommendation for this event? How to Train Your Dragon is a beloved film for all ages, rated PG. This concert experience is suitable for families and fans of all ages who enjoy cinematic scores and animation. We recommend checking the specific venue guidelines for any age restrictions on entry.

Q4: Will there be any additional performances or content beyond the film and score? The core of the event is the complete film projected with its live orchestral score. Typically, there are no additional performances or extended content beyond the film itself and the live musical accompaniment. The focus is on the immersive experience of the film brought to life by a full orchestra.

Q5: Can I take photographs or record the performance? As with most professional orchestral concerts and film screenings, the use of cameras and recording devices, including mobile phones, is usually prohibited during the performance to ensure the best possible experience for all audience members and to respect the artists and the venue’s policies. Please check the Royal Albert Hall’s specific photography policy for this event.

Q6: What if I’ve seen How to Train Your Dragon many times before? What makes this concert special? This concert offers a completely new dimension to an already cherished film. Hearing John Powell’s intricate and emotionally powerful score performed live by a full orchestra, in the magnificent acoustics of the Royal Albert Hall, elevates the experience to something truly extraordinary. It allows you to appreciate the nuances of the music and its integral role in the storytelling in a way that a home viewing simply cannot replicate. It’s a chance to feel the magic of Berk and the bond between Hiccup and Toothless on a visceral, auditory level.