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Lord of the Rings… the main reason for re-scheduling our London trip from August to July – and I’m so glad we did! I’m not a LOTR fan at all. Haven’t read the books, fell asleep during movie #1 and didn’t bother to see any of the sequels. But when I heard some of the stageshow-songs and found the clips at YouTube, I just had to see it… It was more than I could ever hope for.

Theatre Royal Drury Lane is the perfect setting! The stage is surrounded by tree roots stretching out into the auditorium and covering several of the boxes as well, giving the impression of sitting in Middle Earth. While the public slowly filled the theatre and people were looking for their seats, the Hobbits appeared one by one, on stage and amidst the public (standing on the back of the chairs), carrying a net, trying to catch fireflies. A female hobbit walked through the aisles carrying a basket full of apples (and eating one herself), a male Hobbit sat on stage knitting, others were talking. Their costumes, out of proportion, made them look short and chubby. At the point where everyone in the audience found their seats the Hobbits sang (and danced) ‘The Springle-ring’. A wonderful opening of the show.

Rosalie Craig (Arwen) is my absolute fav! What a voice and I loved her elegant hand movements (see clip in my previous LOTR post). Unfortunately I never got to see Laura Michelle Kelly play Galadriel – other than at the YouTube videos. Her replacement, Abbie Osmon, is beautiful and although her voice is good, it lacks the power of Laura’s voice.

Both Inge, my SIL, and I had to get used to a darkhaired Legolas – as opposed to a blonde Orlando Bloom in the movie. But after watching Michael Rouse, we don’t believe that blondes have more fun 🙂

Aragorn (Robbie Scotcher) looked exactly right for the part, great voice as well. Frodo and Sam were wonderful, as were the other two members of the quartet, Merry & Pippin. Gandalf (Andrew Jarvis) has a strong speaking voice, I’m sure everyone would have been able to hear and understand each word, even if he wouldn’t have used a mic. Saruman however couldn’t convince us, but – as always – that is my personal opinion and everyone is entitled to disagree with me!

I won’t go into too much detail as it’s best to let the show surprise you, I just want to add that there’s so much to see. A huge spider, aereal movements, Gollum’s big entrance (a head-first 50ft vertical slither down the front of the stage), the rotating stage breaking down into 17 sections (all moving independently to raise mountains and create battlefields), BEAUTIFUL costumes and make up, gracious floating elves, wonderful voices, and last but by no means least: the Orcs!! They scared the living daylights out of me!

At the Q&A session after the show two actors – James Byng (Frodo) and Peter Howe (Sam) – told the audience that they were sad the show is closing down (the theatre is scheduled to host the new production of ‘Oliver!’, which will open later this year). When asked about his favourite part of the show ‘Frodo’ said it used to be scaring the audience when he was an Orc – he was recently promoted to play Frodo – but now it was the scene with Sam where they sing about their friendship in ‘Now and for Always’, which is a very touching moment indeed.

Now and for always from the Toronto production:

Apparently LOTR will open in Germany next year, and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ creative team is developing a touring version to launch in New Zealand, also in 2009, before being presented in cities across Australia and the Far East. After that there will be a smaller touring production in the UK.
If it lands in your neighbourhood, you should definitely try to buy tickets, it’s well worth it!

All pics © LOTR – make sure to visit the website for show footage, behind the scenes videos, music and photos.

If you want to view more videos, check out my LOTR Playlist at YouTube.

Posted in Blog, London, Theatre by Antoinette at Monday, July 14th, 2008
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