Inspired by three classic books and with a cast of 35, around the same number of backstage techs and specialists, plus a team of producers drawn from three continents and at three hours in length, Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale can credibly claim epic status.
For the early productions dating back to 2006 and 2008, the critics were often less than kind, but a new proposal in 2022 saw the production refocussed and reenergised for a new international touring schedule.
After a successful run in New Zealand, Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale lands in Sydney for the start of a national tour, and if opening night is anything to go by, it is expected to be a triumph.
Taking Tolkien’s three best-selling books and condensing them to a recognisable and satisfying form is no small task, as even Peter Jackson lost his way across his three films by focusing more on the battle scenes than the heart of the story.
What we have here is the story stripped back to its essence of friendship and redemption as it homes into Middle-earth at a time when it must protect itself from insidious outside forces.
The experience starts from the moment the audience walk into the theatre as they enter in the middle of celebrations Bilbo Baggins eleventy-first birthday celebrations.
It is at this party that Bilbo (Laurence Coy) announces that he is going travelling and gifts his nephew Frodo Baggins (Rarmian Newton) all his worldly possessions, plus a ring.
That ring contains an evil power, and the Dark Lord Sauron wants it, thus setting off the great journey and travails that Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Gandalf and others of the Fellowship must undertake to return the ring to Mt Doom to be destroyed, thus breaking its evil power.
The single set is surprisingly adaptable as it transforms, by creative use of lighting and projections(Callum Walker), from Middle-earth to the many locations that Frodo and his Fellowship must traverse.
As the director who has steered this creation from its inception, Paul Hart keeps the action moving with the large cast and many scenes. Sound (Shelly Lee, Adam Fisher) plays an important element throughout the show, as do the talented and energetic musicians and singers who play live.
Lighting and projection under George Reeve, Will Elphingstone and Gavan Swift is made all the more important as it has to transform the set into a myriad of scenes.
The music by A.R. Rahman (Slum Dog Millionaire), Varttina and Christopher Nightingale has a strong Celtic flavour and is stirring in parts, but ultimately suffers from not having enough familiarity. Songs that stand out are The Road Goes On in the first act and Now and Always as the highlight in the second act.
In terms of drama and danger the incursions of the puppeteer (Charlie Tymms) operated Ringwraiths is outstanding, as are the scenes with the giant spider Shelob, while the jazz ballet scenes with the Orcs are truly menacing.
Bilbo Baggins is the first character that we meet who emerges from the audience to take his place of honour at his birthday, and it is here that we become familiar with the engaging Frodo and his friends.
The commanding presences of Gandalf and Saruman are played by Terence Crawford and Ian Stenlake respectively, while Jemma Rix has a strong presence as Galadriel.
Rob Mallett as Strider immediately standouts out from the ensemble and he becomes an important part of the story, as does Laurence Boxhall as Gollum, who maybe leans a bit too much into Andy Serkis’ performance from the films.
The book and lyrics for Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale from Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus are all the more remarkable in that they have succeeded in condensing three large books into a succinct script that doesn’t loose sight of the essence of the story.
The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale
State Theatre, 49 Market Street, Sydney
Performance: Saturday 11 January 2025
Season continues to Saturday 1 February 2025
Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au
Following the Sydney season, The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale will play Crown Theatre Perth from 19 March, Comedy Theatre Melbourne from 26 April, and the HOTA Theatre Surfer’s Paradise from 4 July 2025. For more information, visit: www.lotronstage.com for details.
Images: The Cast of The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale – photo by Daniel Boud | Rarmian Newton as Frodo Baggins and Laurence Boxhall as Gollum in The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale – photo by Daniel Boud | Jemma Rix as Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale – photo by Daniel Boud | Ian Stenlake as Saruman and Terence Crawford Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale – photo by Daniel Boud
Review: John Moyle