The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale - Newbury / Plymouth

Well, that wasn't news I ever expected to read. Oddly, I had wondered years ago if this would resurface in a purposefully small scale production one day, perhaps actor musician. Given how much spectacle was part of the original production, it'll be really interesting to see how this comes off. Quite the gamble for the Watermill given how the original production did - all my friends who like musicals basically dislike LOTR and vice versa so good luck to the Watermill but I'm a bit scared for them... If this tanks financially that could be disaster.

After pretty much giving up hope that this show would ever be revived, this is both unexpected and welcome! I honestly thought it was a completely new adaptation at first! It will be interesting to see how the Watermill handle this show, seeing as, like what notmymuse said, the show doesn't have the best of reputations. Perhaps younger generations who are less familiar with the musical will embrace it? Sort of like how when 'Carrie: The Musical' was revived on a smaller scale, it garnered more of a cult following. It's definitely not uncommon for musicals to have been flops when first performed and gaining a following later on, thanks to revivals. 'By Jeeves' and 'Bonnie and Clyde' come to mind.

This is now the perfect opportunity for me to experience this musical that I have had a fascination with for about 10 years now! I wish the creative team all the best!

Paul Hart is directing, Matthew Warchus directed the original.

Yes - I got confused when it mentioned Matthew in the announcement! Will be great to see a new version none the less! 

Regent's Park summer 2024 option perhaps...

I wonder if they'll make any edits to the script? Like make some cuts to shorten the runtime a little bit, so that it doesn't go over 3 hours? Personally, I'd prefer them to keep it as it is, but I wouldn't be surprised if the team is considering it.

That makes sense. Considering the large amount of characters in the story, I imagine some will either be cut, or at least reduced to bit parts. I just hope they keep the best songs, like 'Lothlórien', 'Now And For Always' and 'Wonder'. 

I saw the Drury Lane production, but it was so long ago I can’t remember much of it, apart from the main impressive aspect was the staging itself - was there concentric turntables, raising sections of platforms as they turned with actors leaping around them in motion, and some kind of absolutely giant Balrog? How does that all translate to a small space?

Sounds interesting, at this point I need a bit more convincing to trek out to Newbury though.

Hello, only just saw your post. I did get an email but effectively told you that you need to sign in.
So if you go to website and sign into your account using email you subscribed with, it then allows you to book.
I have just done it and worked  

Oh that's a pain! I've gone for Sept so was quite good availability then, glad you sorted something.

I went for stalls £57.50. Just realised when looked back same seats last year for Whistle were £35! Big increase but I think it is Watermill that lost their funding, and £35 did seem so cheap. Interesting to see what production values are!

Funding plus a larger cast and puppetry justify the increase in price.

Me too - very excited about this production. I like the Watermill as a venue and know they always wring every bit of value out of the work they stage!