REVIEW: All hail the Hobbits
- Posted on June 4, 2007 5:56 PM
- 11 comments
The Lord Of The Rings
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Review by Katie Spain
I’ve never been a movie fanatic… especially for films with sequels. 'Star Trek' bored me senseless, 'Star Wars' kept me mildly amused (only because the Ewoks were cute) and 'Scream'… well, need I say more?
I’ve always avoided second, third and fourth ‘chapters’ like Wetherspoons during happy hour (actually, make that Wetherspoons at any hour). I was surprised therefore, when my entire family found themselves hooked on 'The Lord of the Rings' film trilogy. My dad was always a massive fan… he read J.R.R. Tolkien’s books from cover to cover and even ruined the priceless ‘collector’s issue’ given to him by my Grandma. Rice paper pages just aren’t meant for loo break reading; some things should never come out of their packaging...
Back then we lived on a dairy farm in Australia. Nothing tore my parents away from the cows… except for the annual Boxing Day cinema release of 'The Lord Of The Rings'. It was a massive event and something the whole town would turn up to – after all, special effects, fellowships and popcorn don’t happen every day… especially in rural Australia.
But that was then... this is London, and special effects happen everywhere. You can’t walk past a bus these days without a visual advertising overload. It was for this reason I met the news of a musical version of 'The Lord Of The Rings' with an element of scepticism. Tolkien’s tale about a Hobbit named Frodo and his quest to rid Middle-Earth of evil is heavy stuff. I’ve seen a lot of musicals in my time but surely the epic battle scenes and changing literary landscapes couldn’t seriously be portrayed on a West End stage? I feared the musical would turn Tolkien in his Oxford grave; I was wrong.
We booked a spot in the previews well in advance and ended up in the upper stalls. As usual, my companion and I pushed a fine-line between the start time and technically late, so the climb to the upper regions of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane left us gasping. Do yourself a favour and time your arrival accordingly; not only will you pace a climb resembling Everest; you’ll also have plenty of time to marvel at the set. The pre-show Hobbits and their fireflies are worth catching too.
The production kicked of in Toronto but has been tweaked, improved (and apparently shortened) since. Here in London, the Theatre Royal shut down for four months to prepare for the production; it’s easy to see why. The set is spectacular. I doubted the likeliness of a successful portrayal of the lush green Hobbiton and the fiery depths of Mordor but they’ve hit the mark. Twisted bramble, a rotating stage and exquisite lighting give an impressive ‘wow-factor’. The people around us gasped… my jaw dropped so low I began to consider amputation. Deft footwork and nether regions of steel were the only things standing between the cast and the rising, falling, spinning stage. In fact, a cast-member recently injured his leg mid-show... where was The Fellowship then I ask you?
Mechanics aside, there are productions in the West End at the moment mirroring their film versions to a tee. 'The Lord Of The Rings' however, has a text and film to live up to. Luckily director Matthew Warchus has adapted accordingly. When Tolkien wrote his epic story, he didn’t just write about a world wedged firmly in his imagination – he created it. This is where the purists come in; the languages, landscapes, characters and mythical morals were described in so much detail, that for some, they became real. Living up to the imagination of a master (and the imaginations of the resulting fans) was never going to satisfy everyone but I think they’ll convince most. It’s important to remember that where there are fanatics, there are also novices. In a theatre-going audience there are both.
My companion knew less about the storyline than anyone I know, but as a theatre fan he knows the merits of a good story told well. He loves gripping narratives and thought-provoking dramas. Saying that, he also loves corny musical hits and sing-along theatre land anthems. 'The Lord Of The Rings' has the narrative, but leaves the memorable music behind. You know what, I couldn’t have wished for more. The score nestles behind the action like a hand behind a newborn’s head. You don’t particularly notice it, but without the steady support, the infant couldn’t manage the load. Looking back, none of the songs stood out… not on their show stealing merit, nor show ruining. Galadriel (former Mary Poppins Laura Michelle Kelly) impressed briefly with a solo or two and we laughed with the all singing-all dancing Hobbits… not at them. One to the directors - nil to me.
Acting-wise, Sam (Peter Howe) took the Hobbit crown… lead actor Frodo (James Loye) came across somewhat stilted – the enormity of his task unconvincing. Sam’s devoted journey however, portrayed the genuine struggle between the perils of friendship and the safe and familiar embrace of home. Hobbit ‘hanger-oners’, Took and Pippin (Owen Sharpe) also drew their fair share of laughs. Malcolm Storry also delivered a calm yet imposing Gandalf.
The strange, ring-obsessed creature Gollum enthralled. Unaided by Hollywood animations, Canadian actor Michael Therriault twisted his lanky body like an emaciated goblin on crack. The rasping voice and erratic behaviour evoked collective audience pity, fear, humour and curiosity… in no particular (or logical) order. Just the way it should be.
Subtle differences between the movie and the stage production veered us away from a direct copy and a series of omitted scenes meant our backs endure three hours rather than nine. Although a number of beasts couldn’t make the trip to 2007, the talking trees made an appearance (all hail the Ents).
If there’s one thing about this musical that soars above everything else it’s the fear evoked in the audience members. The Orcs are pure nightmare material – their bouncing, screeching, dribbling stayed with us well into the night. Arachnophobics are advised to steer well clear and if your ticker is a tad touchy you’d best bring a pace-maker. I screamed even though I’d been warned what was coming… sorry, but you’ll enjoy it more if I withhold some surprises.
Some critics will give this production a grilling worse than Mordor but any production with a high budget and a ‘Blockbuster’ behind it can expect a rough ride. As a Tolkien fan, I loved it and the Tolkien novice beside me did too. Around us, old ladies, school kids, chatty actors and tourists also came out buzzing. You know what, if I could tear him away from the cows, my dairy farming dad might even be convinced.
The 45-foot, $2 million stage may take no prisoners… but when you’re dealing with Middle-Earth and one of the most thrilling literary pieces of all time, a bit of danger adds to the experience. Do yourself a favour and throw the hype, expectations, preconceptions and trepidations aside. Let’s face it… the only way we’re ever going to achieve the ideal 'Lord Of The Rings' experience is to bring back Tolkien, plonk him on stage and have him read straight from the books. Either that or have every single person direct and cast their own imaginings. Save yourself a few million - sit back and let the highlights of a bloody good story take you back to the time when an imagination, a hero and a touch of magic were all that stood between you and the ultimate adventure.
Have you seen The Lord Of The Rings? What did you think? tell all in our comments section.
Here's what one fan had to say.
Comments (11)
Scott Pietrangelo
Everyone must see this show, if not just to simply see how they did it, but to be able to witness epic new theatre at its most grand.
I was fortunate enough to see Lord of the Rings when it was in Toronto four times, the final time being the closing performance. At the show's conclusion, producer Kevin Wallace made a tearful apology to the people of Toronto for not fulfilling the task that he promised - reviving Toronto's theatrical, cultural and economical scene with a fantastic piece of original theatre.
The show had its problem's, yes, but they could be fixed with reworking. This is why I was so happy to hear that Toronto was not where it was to be laid to rest. The writing didn't allow for the audience to connect emotionally to the characters, and we lost the main plot of Frodo and Sam's journey due to the want of too many characters along the way. On top of that, it always felt like the story was competing with the spectacle, never evening itself out to create a seamless interwoven stunning piece of theatre.
I'm happy to say that Lord of the Rings: London has fulfilled my hopes and dreams of what this show could be, and then some. Needless characters and scenes have been cut, emotional scenes have been lengthened, musical arrangements have been perfected and the story and spectacle exist together in a perfect epic story.
Yes, critics will probably give it as much if not more of a hard time in London as they did in Toronto, and quite frankly, that is extremely upsetting. After seeing Wallace's tearful apology and having a fantastic discussion with him after the opening preview performance, this man does not deserve any more negativity from such a fantastic endeavour. He and the production team said right from the beginning that they were a) not trying to follow the books exactly, the show is BASED on Lord of the Rings, and therefore is a theatrical interpretation, and b) not trying to create a traditional musical, so all of those reviewers who are upset that there is no song list in the program or disappointed that they don't leave the theatre humming a tune should consider the fact that maybe they are witnessing an entirely new genre of theatre and look beyond the tiny box that they view theatre from.
I don't think I have ever been more emotionally moved by a piece of theatre. From the harrowing finale of Act 1, to the stunningly beautiful Lothlorien, to the fantastic finale where Gollum tumbles in slow motion into the depths of Mount Doom, even down to the quiet moments between Sam and Frodo pushing each other to keep going even when all hope is lost, the tears simply kept streaming down my face. I was honoured to have been there for the first preview performance of this theatrical marvel, and I will always remember that night.
Please, see this show for yourself and don't let the critics sway your opinion. Open your imaginations, get lost in the world of Middle Earth for three hours, and be swept away by a stunning piece of theatrical history.
Posted on June 20, 2007 5:04 AM
Adam
I am appalled at the mauling of this show by the critics. Having never even seen any of the films, I went in with an open mind and came out with it blown away.
Get off your high horses the lot of you, and enjoy the show for what is was created for: an epic spectacle.
It's not trying to be the next Carousel or Much Ado About Nothing.
Yes, the music's incidental. Yes, the acting's hardly Olivier-award-winning. But, yes you will see where the price of your ticket was spent - and more - and for the average theatre-goer, this is what matters most.
The Critics need to understand what a show like this is aiming to deliver - and judging by the crowd as we left (again, the average theatre-goer) it did so on all levels.
So don't be put off by inane, publicity-driven soundbites and go see the best show the West End has to offer. Be in awe of the set design; the end of the first half (SPECTACULAR), the revolving stage and the spider. It's the closest you're going to get to a Vegas-style show, and I know there are many people out there who will be more than satisfied to have this on their doorstep, rather than 11 hours and £500 later.
Posted on June 29, 2007 1:58 PM
Rosemary Blake
The reviews left me with low expectations, but I loved this show! It was one of the best nights of my life... not one boring bit. The set was beautiful. The hobbits had a fantastic fast paced dance at the beginning of the journey. The music was haunting (slightly reminiscent of bollywood) and fitted the action. Scary bits were awe inspiring. You probably would find it easier viewing if you'd already read the book first as the pace from one episode to another was quite fast. I found myself caught up in the experience and I'd love to go again.
Posted on July 1, 2007 11:02 PM
norma wilson
never having read the books but having read the daily Mail review I was not expecting to enjoy this show. What a surprise , one of the best shows I have ever seen , full of everything you expect from a show and far far more, there was not one boring bit in it.I love my Daily Mail, BUT get your self another theatre critic the one you have is rubbish!
Posted on July 8, 2007 12:50 PM
NA
Can i say this critic has no idea what she's on about, i myself am a very well known critic and this show was outstanding from all aspects.
Shes go on and on when really no one cares to hear that rubish. Good day to you all and please go see this amazing show!
Posted on January 12, 2008 8:30 PM
scott
Correction. "Kevin Wallace made a tearful apology to the people of Toronto" . Actually the record shows that Wallace was rude and dismissive of Toronto theatre goers (who had partially picked up the cost of this show) and other theatre partners had to quickly temper his remarks. I cant speak to the London version but the word was out about the Toronto show; it was long and confusing.People stayed away based on bad reviews and bad word of mouth. Wallace seemed to be unaware that he was dissing the same theatre going crowd that had set records with many other big scale productions including Cats, Phantom, and Saigon among others.He could not accept that the show didn't work in that incarnation and was not man enough to admit it. A poor sport.
Posted on January 25, 2008 9:45 PM
Terry Ladlow
I went to see the show with an open mind. Boy was it blown wide open!! "The Lord of the Rings" provides an awesome spectacle the likes of which you're unlikely to see anywhere else in London for some time I bet. Tolkien's Middle Earth is superbly represented and the sets are so original, inventive, fantastic in scope and breadth. Yes, the music is rather forgettable, but it carries the storyline ably. The energy, colour, scope, spectacle and athleticism left me breathless and the imaginative multi-layered staging gave the production it's unique mark on the theatrical map. It's bold and interactive nature takes the audience into another dimension of theatre-going and you can see why the ticket prices are so high!! I was seated in the front stalls but the staging will prove more effective for those in the Dress and Upper circle. It's 3 hours long [inc.interval], so you do get your money's worth.
Posted on February 2, 2008 7:31 PM
Vanessa
I thought it was brilliant, exellent acting and dancing and really fun to watch x
Posted on February 5, 2008 5:37 PM
Verity
This must be the most amazzing theatre production i have ever seen! I was blown away buy the set and the amazing charisma of the whole cast! Pure talent it was fantastic i recommend this production to anyone, any age any time i can't say enough good thing about this magnificant play and will be going to watch it again in the very near future! It for me definatly if not more so lives u to the film 100% recommended!!!
Posted on February 22, 2008 11:20 AM
Anna
Im at this precise moment writing up a review of LOTR for my coursework. I<3 it.
No other words except that. Oh and i fancy Boromir=]
It is pure brilliance, shining like the star of Earendil amongst the West end. Go and see it!
Posted on February 27, 2008 2:21 PM
Matt
I have seen this show 3 times. and every singel time i see it i marvel at its excellence. everytime i leave in awe of the effects. Laura Michelle Kelly was incredable when i saw her in it and i here the new girl who has taken over from her is just as gd. wat annoys me is that if people would go out and buy the cd and listern to it they would understand that the music is incredable, its just when yr watching the show and there is a jaw dropping speacial effect going on nearly every 5 mins then the music goes straight over yr head. and it makes me livid that oliver, is kicking The Lord of the Rings out of Drury Lane, when the show could have been so succssful. Just a tip to any1 planning to watch the show looks amazing from the higher levels. and Lothlorien and Wonder are amazing. so go and c it while its still in the UK.
Posted on March 28, 2008 12:02 AM
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