Deckchair Cinema kicks off “Summer of Sci-Fi” with an electrifying farewell from Ziggy Stardust, July 3

With highlights such as “Space Oddity” and “Moonage Daydream”, the 1970s documentary about one of David Bowie’s greatest shows lights up The Polygon Gallery’s series of starlight screenings

By Olivia Hart

A still from Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars.

The Polygon Gallery shows Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars at Cates Deck on July 3 at 9:15 pm; live music and entertainment begin at 7 pm

ON JULY 3, 1973, AT London’s Hammersmith Odeon, the audience expected a night to remember, but no one was anticipating one of the greatest performances in rock history. Backed by his band, the Spiders From Mars, David Bowie stunned the 5,000-strong crowd with a surprise announcement: it would be the last time he ever performed (as Ziggy Stardust).

Now, 52 years later, that legendary concert returns in a restored version of the 1979 documentary Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, kicking off The Polygon Gallery’s annual Deckchair Cinema program.

Opening the “Summer of Sci-Fi” lineup, which runs for nine Thursdays at Cates Deck, this outdoor screening lets you relive Bowie’s glam rock opus under the stars (which is almost as good as being there). Expect a dazzling setlist, including “Moonage Daydream”, “Space Oddity”, and the poignant finale, “Rock ’n’ Roll Suicide”, where Bowie bids farewell to his alien pop star persona.

Ahead of the sunset start time, there’ll be music and entertainment, as well as free-flowing popcorn. Entry is free (donations welcome) and includes access to the gallery’s summer exhibition Star Witnesses, a cosmic journey through art and history. 

Bring a blanket, grab some popcorn, and witness rock history reborn.

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