The grandeur of Middle-earth unfolded under the ornate ceilings of the State Theatre as The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale made its Sydney debut this weekend. Spanning all three books in under three hours, this ambitious adaptation offers an immersive gateway into Tolkien’s world, whether you’re a diehard fan or a newcomer.
The show opens with Bilbo Baggins toasting his "eleventy-first" birthday, taking the audience on a journey brimming with camaraderie, peril, and hope. The familiar faces of Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin led the charge, embarking on their harrowing mission to destroy the One Ring in the fiery depths of Mount Doom.
The cast brings their characters to life with flair. While Rarmian Newton’s (Billy Elliot, How to Train Your Dragon) Frodo anchors the narrative with vulnerability and determination, recent NIDA graduate, Wern Mak does a brilliant job portraying the loveable Samwise Gamgee. Jemma Rix (Frozen, Wicked, Ghost, The Wizard of Oz) commands the stage as the luminous Galadriel. Ian Stenlake (MammaMia! The Musical) exudes menace as Saruman and Rob Mallett (The Rocky Horror Show, Aladdin, The Rise and Disguise of Elizabeth R) imbues Strider with quiet strength.
Act I set the tone with vibrant performances and sensory enchantment. A revolving stage seamlessly transports us across Middle-earth, but the Elvish realms of Rivendell and Lothlórien truly dazzled. Soft, ethereal lighting and intricate set designs create a dreamlike atmosphere, accompanied by soundscapes that envelop the theatre in whispers of the forest and cascading waterfalls.
In Act II, the tale deepens and we are introduced to Gollum. I suspect this moment was a highlight for the audience. How do you successfully portray this wretched creature in a stage production? But Laurence Boxhall (As You Like It, The Mousetrap) nails it - his portrayal of Gollum was compelling. It was unsettling, yet strangely endearing. His haunting melodies and twitchy movements added layers to a character already etched in pop culture. Gollum’s chilling and humorous solo was particularly popular with the audience based on their reaction.
Director Paul Hart’s vision for a streamlined production has its roots in the UK, where the original large-scale West End version was reimagined into something more intimate and cost-effective. With a 32-member cast doubling as musicians, this clever approach eliminates the need for an orchestra, blending music and action seamlessly on stage.
The use of puppetry is another highlight, especially bringing to life the sinister Nazgûl and the monstrous Shelob. The appearance of Shelob draws audible gasps - particularly among the arachnophobes in the audience - a testament to the ingenuity behind the production’s design.
After wowing audiences in Chicago and Auckland, this adaptation has made its way to Sydney until February, inviting Tolkien fans and theatre lovers to enjoy a reimagined take on Tolkien’s epic adventure. Opening night was a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and the enduring magic of Middle-earth. While true Lord of the Rings fans may approach this adaptation with a critical eye, it’s worth embracing it as a unique interpretation of Tolkien’s world—one that celebrates the spirit of the story through the lens of musical theatre.
- What: The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale
- Where: State Theatre, 49 Market St, Sydney
- When: Showing now until 1 February 2025
- Purchase tickets here.