YOU’VE seen Star Wars on the big screen and, on Tuesday, it was your chance to see it live.

It’s just a shame that the MetroRadio Arena was barely a third full for Star Wars in Concert; it deserved much more for its final event in the UK of an eight-month world tour.

Presented and narrated by Anthony Daniels – who, as C3PO was the only actor to appear in all six episodes of the saga – and with John Williams’ score played by the the 120-strong Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra enthusiastically directed by Fabio Capello lookalike Dirk Bross, the two-hour spectacle was enthralling.

It’s billed as the greatest film score ever composed – and it’s hard to argue, after hearing and seeing it performed live.

With the saga broken into 14 film and character montages on the giant, high-definition screen, accompanied by the music, the toughest decision was whether to watch the orchestra or the screen.

Daniels may play a robot in the films, but in human form he is reminiscent of C3PO, and his lively performance was quirky and refreshing; he pulled it all together in style.

Away from the stage, the Arena hosted an exhibit of costumes and props from the films – Darth Vader, Chewbacca and the Ewoks among the suits on display.

The Force is strong in this performance. It’s a shame the same can’t be said for the North-East public.