The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale
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Date Reviewed: 26/05/2025
J.R.R. Tolkien’s monumental saga The Lord of the Rings finds new life as a stage musical that invites audiences into a gathering brimming with music, laughter, and storytelling. Directed by Paul Hart and featuring a score by A.R. Rahman, Värttinä, and Christopher Nightingale, this production condenses Tolkien’s epic into a three-hour spectacle framed as a story passed down through Hobbit folklore.
This adaptation doesn’t aim for a scene-for-scene retelling. Instead, the show’s heart lies in its celebration of fellowship and artistry. At its core is a troupe of actor-musicians who play, sing, and shift roles with remarkable fluidity. Their presence onstage, as living extensions of the world they evoke, gives the show its pulse. Choreographer Anjali Mehra further elevates the storytelling by creating a gestural language for the Elves inspired by Tolkien’s Elvish lexicon, a silent, poetic dance transcending dialogue.
The musical begins with a spirited revelry, as musicians and actors spill into the aisles; strumming, singing, and drawing the audience into the Shire’s infectious joy. Rustic melodies and communal dancing envelop the space, dissolving the boundary between performer and spectator. This immersive introduction roots Tolkien’s epic saga in tactile familiarity, grounding Middle-earth in the warmth of celebration and shared tradition before the tale gradually unfolds into shadowed, darker realms, mirroring Frodo’s journey: the staging turns jagged and stark, with Frodo’s descent into Mordor’s gloom. This shift from the familiar to the fantastical underscores Tolkien’s themes of innocence tested, where characters morph from curious hobbits into reluctant heroes, each grappling with the Ring’s seductive pull.
Bringing this transformation to life is a dynamic ensemble, with the principal cast and supporting players alike delivering a blend of technical precision and emotional resonance. But it’s the central trio who leave the strongest imprint. Rarmian Newton’s Frodo is a subtle, emotionally grounded presence, while Wern Mak’s Samwise radiates innocence and loyalty. Their bond feels solid. Yet it’s Laurence Boxhall as Gollum who electrifies the stage. His performance - slithering, snarling, and delivering vocals with eerie finesse transcends mimicry. He embodies the character’s broken psyche with chilling precision, stealing nearly every scene he haunts.
The show’s evident craftsmanship and heartfelt dedication are unmistakable, and adapting such an expansive tale is an ambitious feat that naturally comes with creative challenges. The transition from the Shire’s golden glow to Mordor’s suffocating dread demands a vivid sensory palette. While the production offers many striking moments, richer lighting contrasts and a more immersive soundscape could further heighten the narrative’s emotional stakes. Imaginative touches like the skeletal horse puppets and the haunting Balrog spark visual intrigue, though there remains room to deepen the sense of encroaching darkness that Mordor embodies. Still, the production largely triumphs in delivering a bold, visionary staging that stands as a testament to its essence.
The Lord of the Rings - A Musical Tale works not because it perfectly adapts Tolkien’s saga, but because it honours the heart of it: fellowship, resilience, and the enduring power of shared stories. It's a production that celebrates community: onstage, among the cast, and within the audience.
Whether you're a Tolkien devotee or a lover of inventive theatre, this show offers a fresh, folk-infused take on a classic. Catch it in Melbourne through June 22 at The Comedy Theatre.
Reviewed by Irena Begelfor