Liz Bonnin on Planet Earth Live II Live in Concert

This month 24Seven had the pleasure of chatting with TV’s Wildlife and natural history

presenter, Elizabeth Bonnin on the upcoming Planet Earth Live 2 2020 UK and Ireland tour,

featuring breathtaking footage to be shown in 4K ultra HD on a gigantic screen all whilst

listening to music by Hans Zimmer played by an amazing 74 piece Philharmonic orchestra. Liz tells us how excited and shocked she is to be part of such an amazing production.

What can you tell us about the Planet Earth 2 live show and how does this differ from the television series?

I am so excited to be a part of this and to experience Planet Earth in this way. I have been lucky enough to premier at some of the amazing landmark locations where this was filmed and seeing it live on the big screen is an absolute game changer. To bring those iconic images to a giant screen of 200 square meters, in 4K Ultra HD is going to be insane and so special, coupled with the 74 piece City of Prague Philharmonic orchestra playing the amazing, award winning music of the genius, Hans Zimmer. The music of Planet Earth 2 is the thing which really makes it so special. Together, it’s so incredibly moving and leaves you with tears in your eyes.

Planet Earth originally aired in 2006, and was narrated by David Attenborough. The series compiled of 11 episodes, each of which features a different biome or habitat on Earth. The series went on to win 4 Emmy awards, a Peabody Award and a Royal Television Award which urged the production of Planet Earth 2 aired in 2016 and the third injection to be expected in 2022.

Why do you think the planet earth series has been so successful?

I think we forget that we are nature, not just a part of nature and when living in Western cities we can often forget our connection to nature is the most therapeutic, healing and important connection we can have in our lives. I feel the landmark series was so successful because David Attenbourough is a living legend and his voice alone makes me think everything is going to be okay. But I also think it’s down to the amazing work and talent of the production teams who raise the bar to bring and work tirelessly to bring us ever closer to the natural world.

How do you feel shows like planet earth inspire young audiences in science?

When I was a child, David Attenborough really inspired me to love the natural world as much as I do. As a child I spent a lot of time playing outdoors with my sister, our two dogs and other animals but I’ll always remember the amazing moments when I got to sit in front of the TV screen, listen to David Attenborough and watch this incredible almost inconceivable wildlife and really see the beauty of our planet. That in itself inspires young people. I know this because it inspired me and when I attend science fairs and shows with David, there are young people in the audience who are just mesmerised by him and are desperate to ask him personal and really important questions, it just goes to show how important these programmes are and how much of a role they play in inspiring the next generation. More people tuned in to watch Blue Planet 2 than to watch X-factor.

How do you feel we could get more kids involved in science and nature?

Some of the campaigns that I’ve been involved in, not only terrific science but also getting more kids involved in nature, is an ongoing battle. What really stands out is that popular culture plays such an important role in influencing our younger generation and that's something that needs to be cracked. Although some young people are really waking up to fighting for their very future because us as adults clearly didn't take enough care of our world. We also know that there are a lot of children who are so completely out of touch with nature and have their heads completely stuck in their phones/tablets and that is down to popular culture. What children look up to and what they value nowadays, such as reality shows or instagram influencers who aim at producing their own makeup line and earning their first million before the age of 19 makes me really makes me worry about our younger generation and alot of that is on us as adults. We need to start shifting that part of our culture and celebrate the unsung heroes who are the conservationist and scientists in the field, working night and day to protect the planets animals whilst we go about our daily business.

What would you say to people who enjoy watching Planet Earth 2 on the TV to encourage them to go and see it live in concert?

I would tell them that it is a once in a lifetime, unique experience that all the family can enjoy together. Young and old, bring everyone. Tickets are discounted for under 14’s at the O2 in March. This is a time to reconnect not only with each other but with nature at a time when we are so disconnected from each other and celebrate the beauty of the world and humanity. Recharge the batteries, re-energise and inspire. It is an absolutely special experience where we can enjoy together.

Article by Chris Willingham Mncp