I was catching up on my podcasts on the bus to Montreal yesterday, including MusicalTalk (“the UK’s only independent musical theatre podcast”), which included a review of The Lord of the Rings.
As it appears I never actually finished my review of the show when I saw it in May, I suggest you listen to this. It’s pretty much exactly what I thought of it.
In summary, for those who can’t be bothered to listen: Gollum: excellent. Staging, tech, lighting: best ever, worth every penny. Accents: huh? Laura Michelle Kelly (aka Olivier-winning Mary Poppins): wasted in her part. Acting generally: too modern dance-like. Music: not really a musical – more a spectacle with music.
Anyway, yes, I heartily recommend The Lord of the Rings (whether or not it’s a musical) – it’s truly bigger as a show than anything else. And MusicalTalk‘s quite entertaining, especially when it features the awesomely awesome Martin Ball and the über-talented Emma Williams.
[Image (clicky for bigger): Galadriel (Laura Michelle Kelly) at Lothlorien]
