The Lord of the Rings posts closing notices
Story by Lizzie Guilfoyle
THE EPIC stage adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings has posted closing notices. The £12.5 million musical had been booking at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane until September 28, but will now close on July 19, 2008, after 492 performances.
The show was first staged in Toronto in March 2006 but revised for its London opening in June 2007. A German production and a tour of New Zealand, Australia and the Far East are planned for 2009.
Speaking about the announcement producer Kevin Wallace said: “The show’s creative team has proven just how enchanting, exhilarating and powerfully entertaining The Lord Of The Rings can be live on stage. We will continue to bring this incredible theatrical event to audiences in London until 19 July, and we look forward to presenting the show to new audiences abroad from 2009.”
The Theatre Royal Drury Lane was transformed into Middle-earth with an awe-inspiring, mystical set that creeps into the auditorium as friendly hobbits and terrifying orcs roam the aisles. Extraordinary special effects and an unforgettable musical score draw audience members into the heart of Tolkien’s fantastical universe, sweeping them along on Frodo and Sam’s incredible journey from the idyllic, peaceful Shire, to the dark depths of Mordor in their quest to destroy the Ring and save Middle-earth.
The current 50-strong cast is led by James Loye (Frodo), Peter Howe (Sam), Michael Therriault (Gollum), Malcolm Storry (Gandalf), Jerome Pradon (Aragorn), Rosalie Craig (Arwen), Steven Miller (Boromir), Michael Rouse (Legolas), Sevan Stephan (Gimli), Richard Henders (Merry), Owen Sharpe (Pippin), Brian Protheroe (Saruman) and Abbie Osmon (Galadriel).
As yet, no new productions have been announced for the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.