I only just realised that I coincidentally attended on the 50th Anniversary of Tolkiens death, so what a nice touch of serendipity!
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.
Pics below:
Mini Review of the new Reimagined Lord of the Rings Musical in Newbury.
Mini Review of the new Reimagined Lord of the Rings Musical in Newbury.
The Vinyamars on Stage! This time at Bag End
Re: Mini Review of the new Reimagined Lord of the Rings Musical in Newbury.
Happy to answer any questions. Couple of things I didn't mention in review above. Pippin was played by an actress which really worked to differentiate Merry and Pippin. All the performers were Actor/Musicians, some of whom played multiple instruments. Some of the compression of timelines that might be of interest. Prancing Pony was combined with Weathertop. When Frodo puts on the ring we get a dramatic lighting change and he starts to move in a strange slow motion. The Nazgûl, black robed figures holding Horse skull puppet heads, enter and stab Frodo, lighting returns and we're back in the inn with Strider rushing over to tend to him. he then introduces himself and says they need to get to Rivendell to heal Frodo and that his is Strider, a friend of Gandalfs. Worked surprisingly well.
The Vinyamars on Stage! This time at Bag End
Re: Mini Review of the new Reimagined Lord of the Rings Musical in Newbury.
That sounds (and looks) magical!
If you can persuade them to extend the run until next year, maybe I can see it too. Otherwise, I'll just have to live vicariously through you.
I had to look up Newbury - is it the town in Berkshire, about 13 miles from Winchester?
If you can persuade them to extend the run until next year, maybe I can see it too. Otherwise, I'll just have to live vicariously through you.
I had to look up Newbury - is it the town in Berkshire, about 13 miles from Winchester?
Re: Mini Review of the new Reimagined Lord of the Rings Musical in Newbury.
Not sure to be honest Jude? Its near Reading, about an hour outside London.
The Vinyamars on Stage! This time at Bag End
Re: Mini Review of the new Reimagined Lord of the Rings Musical in Newbury.
The Vinyamars on Stage! This time at Bag End
Re: Mini Review of the new Reimagined Lord of the Rings Musical in Newbury.
The Vinyamars on Stage! This time at Bag End
Re: Mini Review of the new Reimagined Lord of the Rings Musical in Newbury.
And here's a nice fan review
The Vinyamars on Stage! This time at Bag End
Re: Mini Review of the new Reimagined Lord of the Rings Musical in Newbury.
Glad to hear you enjoyed it. The food looks very Shire like (except, perhaps Jackfruit and Feta).
Newbury is about 30 miles south of Oxford and about 25 miles from Winchester.
Newbury is about 30 miles south of Oxford and about 25 miles from Winchester.