As soon as I’d seen this show, I booked tickets to go back. What made it so impressive?
Feeling Part Of The Show
I love being as close to the stage as possible. I still prefer that to being a few rows back even if that would mean the overall picture is better. The affordable front row seats on my first visit proved to be even better than I expected. I don’t want to give too much away but just promise me you will get to your seat 15 minutes before start time! You would also do well to get as close to the front as possible.
If you end up further back, that is still also great because the actors regularly enter and exit using the audience doors, even standing amongst the audience at times.
But none of these “tricks” are guaranteed to engage an audience if the performers don’t have the skill to pull it off. This cast absolutely makes it work and you will feel part of the whole experience. It’s hard to adequately describe the warmth and dedication of the performance. The total package of casting, talent, style of music, choreography, (every aspect really) simply hits the spot.
Performing in its purest form
Without taking anything at all away from the technical design, Lord Of The Rings is a show that allows the actors to shine and show off their art. Rarmian Newton who plays Frodo said in a promotional video that these artists have to be quadruple threat. i.e. as well as singing, dancing, and acting, they also have to now play an instrument too. Where did they find such talented people who can not only play a principle role but then also carry a cello, guitar, or harp around the stage as well?! I have never seen anything quite like it.
“Experience” really is a better word than just “entertainment”. This show feels accessible, intimate, and warm like at a cozy, smaller theatre but with the most talented of professional actors .
At times the effects are basic. For example the “flying” of Gollum in his final scene is not done with fancy wires or lifts. But far from this being a criticism, I found it perfect. It actually fits just right.
It’s an opportunity for the actors to purely perform, and they grasp this wholeheartedly.
The Award Goes To…
It feels wrong to single out any performer because they all were amazing and together created a highlight of musical theatre. However….😬
Both my son and I independently noticed Pippin Took, played when we were there by Natasha Dumlao. She is full of enthusiasm and talent, and well, you just can’t help but like her.
Second, Laurence Boxhall as Gollum was INCREDIBLE. His singing, his movement, how he does the voice, it’s better than the album recording itself. The anticipation of his arrival is powerful and he delivers something first class.
My only complaint?
My only issue walking out of Crown Theatre in Perth was that, after pouring their everything into it for three hours, the performers were not given a standing ovation on either night. This seems to be not such a thing in Australia but in London I guarantee this company would be receiving one every time.
But that can be a discussion for another time. Let’s end on a positive: Lord Of The Rings, A Musical Tale is warm and endearing, tense yet uplifting, funny and inspiring. The folk-style music fits well; the tunes are catchy and the dancing sharp and contagious. In summary, this show made me incredibly proud of the performers we have in Australia.
