As the BBC was surfing the wave of success that followed its breathtaking underwater chronicle 'Blue Planet', a 2001 worldwide hit, the suits were already plotting the next bigger and better instalment in the 'Planet' franchise.

Next came 'Planet Earth', five years in the making and the BBC's 'most expensive ever' documentary series, and most recently 'Human Planet'. The latter, a 2011 high-definition eight-weeker, was the most ambitious yet; seeking to record and profile remote and extraordinary human extremes without upsetting the status quo.

Equally ambitious is the 2012 Human Planet Live series of shows. The 'Live' version will not, thankfully, feature personal appearances from erstwhile undiscovered tribes, instead pitching itself as a visual and aural spectacular of 'fantastic' cinematic high-definition scenes. The films will be accompanied by a live orchestra led by none other than Nitin Sawhney, who composed the score for the original programme.

Each episode took in a different facet of man's compromise with nature and Sawhney's swooning and uplifting soundtrack were as much a part of the programme's mood and narrative as John Hurt's hushed, gravelly voiceover or the films' innovative cinematography.

The series deservedly won a BAFTA and the Live tour presents an opportunity to relive 'Human Planet' in all its sumptuous glory with the added thrill of Sawhney's epic soundtrack performed live in accompaniment. It sounds awesome.

Human Planet Live kicks off at the NEC/LG Arena in Birmingham on Monday 26th March 2012, moving on to Cardiff's Motorpoint Arena, The O2 in London, Nottingham's Capital FM Arena, the MEN Arena and the Glasgow SECC, before the final show at the Newcastle Metro Radio Arena on 3rd April.

We will have tickets for all dates when they go on sale at 9AM on Friday 9th September, priced from £30 for all venues.

2012 arena tour cancelled

Please note that the 2012 arena tour has now been cancelled.

This from the official website:

We regret that due to operational issues beyond our control, the performances of Human Planet Live, which were scheduled to take place in March and April 2012, have been cancelled. We look forward to announcing more news about the launch of Human Planet Live during 2012.

All bookings are being refunded in full via the booking agent which handled the purchase. Refunds will be processed automatically to the relevant credit/debit card and no further action is required from ticketholders.

Please accept our sincere apologies for any disappointment or inconvenience these cancellations may have caused.