We arrived early for a Hobbit themed 2 course meal which got us nicely in the mood. Then we were ushered into the garden where the hobbits (all actors played multiple characters) were playing music and games, sometimes encouraging audience members to join in. Finally Bilbo arrived and gave his birthday speech before “disappearing” in a puff of smoke by falling backwards off the stage. The hobbits then narrate how Bilbo was never seen again and speak of the years passing in the Shire before Sam invites us all to follow to Bag End, the indoor theatre, where the story continues.
Inside, an intimate 200 seater with a balcony on three sides. Onstage a small revolve and a hydraulic platform at the back. A couple of swing out frames and ladders and on the back cyc a circular piece that simultaneously suggests the Eye of Sauron and a wood knot, that is removed at times to feature a vocalist.
There’s no attempt made here to make the hobbits appear smaller, neither do they have bare feet. Costuming is minimal and props and weapons are basic. I feel like the intent is to suggest that this is the story of LotR as told by the hobbits so it has a rustic feel. For the most part this worked but some of the casting didn’t help. The member of the company who had a long brown beard and bushy hair looked to be a perfect Gimli but he was playing Haldir. Also we had the alternate Galadriel who was brunette and just didn’t seem to give an elvish air while Arwen was fair haired and very ethereal. Also the Orcs were in what looked like hooded boiler suits with shapeless masks. I felt that was the biggest design miss.
Storywise there was some clever compression of storylines. They combined Denethor and Théoden into one character which was only partially successful, also the Bilbo actor doubled as Denethor which might be confusing for some. Gollum was an absolute triumph. Superb physicality in the performance. The highlight for me was definitely Shelob. The Balrog was less successful but still an improvement on the Origami version from Drury lane. The Ents were effectively handled as voices offstage.
The destruction of the ring was a perfect blend of projections and old school theatricality. Gollums fall was beautifully handled but unfortunately the actress playing Galadriel did not have the vocal prowess of Laura Michelle Kelly. This took a bit from the power of the scene. I had forgotten that the musical includes a nod to the scouring of the shire and this was a lovely interlude to take us babk outside to the garden where the hobbits finally bid farewell to the Ringbearers. All in all just a wonderful experience. Go if you can. It’s running till October and I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a West End transfer but unfortunately without the outdoor element.
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