REVIEW | The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale

I was never inspired to watch the movies that I thought were super long and fantastical, let alone read the books by J.R.R. Tolkien (apart from The Hobbit forced upon the students at high schools all over). This all changed, however, when I met my partner who adores the movies and books and I was forced to watch them all in detail, numerous times, and a love for Middle Earth was born.

Whether you are familiar with the novels or movies or not, young or old, you are bound to love this magical, creative and musical production of The Lord of the Rings.

My first tip, enter the theatre early (Sydney’s beautiful State Theatre) as you are in for a treat. The curtains are open and the performers, including the main characters, offer an immersive and interactive experience where you, as an audience member, can have a chit chat with Bilbo Baggins and the like. Head for the Stalls people!

When the lights dim you will be transported to the world of Hobbits and join the eleventy-first birthday party of Bilbo Baggins.  The Cast of fabulous story tellers will then take you on an epic journey, in the perspective of Hobbits, full of adventure with Frodo (Rarmian Newton), Samwise (Wern Mak) and friends.

Presented in Australia by Kevin Wallace Productions, GWB Entertainment and Middle-earth Enterprises, the production’s intricate set designs, coupled with the stunning costumes, brought the beloved story to life in a way that was both enchanting and awe-inspiring. Even some audience members dressed in their best middle earth attire.

When I heard of The Lord of the Rings as a musical, I could not quite picture it. But the cast quickly put that question to bed as the multi-talented, actors, dancers, singers and musicians played the musical score to perfection.  The array of instruments used was epic! Ranging from Harps, guitars and trumpets to drums, cellos and even the didgeridoo.  The music was woven into the story and the choreography (acrobatic and energetic, even some tutting!), which lent itself to the creative magic of the show.

The appropriately designed set remained for the entirety of the show but the clever use of moving parts, circling and rising staging, clever projections and lighting created the feel of different lands and magical earths.  The use of the projections created fabulous imagery, and the use of puppetry was ominous and interactive.

Personally, my favourite lands in The Lord of the rings are the Elven provinces. And the magical voices of Arwen (Stefanie Caccamo) and Galadriel (Jemma Rix) sent shivers up my spine.

Gollum (Laurence Boxhall) stole the show with his fabulous adaption of his characters distinctive voice and movements with some surprisingly humorous lines.

The only thing that was little bit of a bother was that I wanted to see Legolas (Connor Neylon) and Strider (Rob Mallett) with longer hair!

From the beginning to end (yes, a standing ovation), the audience was transported into a fantastical realm of hobbits, elves, and epic battles. The overtone of community, kinship and friendship rang through the entire production, leaving your heat feeling warm and full of love and hope.

Whether you are a longtime fan or a middle earth newcomer, you will be immersed in the fantasy of this production, in my opinion a must-see performance.

Move fast to get your tickets as its here for a short time only!

Bookings: https://lotronstage.com/