Oh, we’re back at it. In my favourite seat, watching WASO absolutely crush another cinematic classic. I knew The Last Jedi in Concert would be a guaranteed good time. I’d already been emotionally unhinged at Jurassic Park in Concert back in March, but this was something else.
On Friday night (July 18, 2025), Perth’s Riverside Theatre became a Rebel base for the night. Conductor Jessica Gethin led the West Australian Symphony Orchestra through a full-scale musical assault on our souls, playing John Williams’ iconic score live while The Last Jedi played on the big screen above.
And it was everything. Soaring strings, crushing brass, every Force-fuelled moment landing straight in the chest.
So. Many. Tears.
This orchestra doesn’t just play. They breathe the story. Every cue, every swell, every silence felt intentional and alive.
- The eerie stillness of Ahch-To? Chilling.
- The desperate Resistance escapes? Thunderous.
- That throne room fight? Look, I nearly stood up and applauded mid-scene. I forgot I was in a theatre and not about to yeet a chair in support of Rey and Kylo.
Jessica Gethin is an absolute beast on the podium — her timing, control, and connection with the musicians kept the entire performance razor-sharp and cinematic without feeling mechanical. It was big and bold, but it never lost the quiet moments either. That balance? Magic.
This is how Star Wars was meant to be heard
I’ve seen The Last Jedi more times than I can count (no shame), but this was the first time I truly heard it. The live score reveals details you miss from your couch — little motifs, emotional beatdowns, and the sheer intensity of Williams’ work. It doesn’t just support the story; it is the story.
There’s something wild about watching a Resistance cruiser jump to lightspeed into another ship while a live orchestra explodes the moment with sound. You could feel the tension ripple through the whole theatre.
Also: hearing variations of Leia’s theme live? That wrecked me a little bit. Just quietly. We miss you, Carrie.
WASO is building a nerdy cinematic empire, and we are here for it
The atmosphere in the theatre was top-notch. A solid turnout. Star Wars shirts everywhere, lightsaber earrings, subtle cosplay, one tiny Leia. Plenty of plushies. It felt like the perfect mix of concert and midnight movie crowd, and everyone was locked in.
WASO has absolutely nailed this film-in-concert format. It’s accessible, cinematic, and honestly? SO emotional. There’s no gatekeeping here — just shared love for big music and big stories.
TL;DR (Too Long; Darth Rey)
- WASO + Jessica Gethin once again delivered pure cinema joy
- The Last Jedi live with orchestra hits harder than a Force push
- John Williams remains the ultimate movie MVP
- We teared up, we cheered, we clutched our armrests like Resistance command
- Whatever WASO’s doing next, we’re there. Probably crying again.
Seeing WASO perform again wasn’t just a treat; it felt like an honour. They don’t just accompany the films, they elevate them. And now we wait (impatiently) for the next one.
Stay unruly.
