The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale has arrived in Melbourne and there is exceptional magic in absolutely every moment of this outstanding production. The incredibly talented team, both those behind the scenes and on stage bring to life a most wondrous adventure.
Every emotion is executed with drive and belief, and every detail within the show has been planned with precision. It’s rare to sit transfixed in awe for a three-hour-long show from start to finish. But this brilliant performance will have you on the edge of your seat and wanting more!
On opening night at the start of May, a mystical Melbourne did not disappoint. Exhibition Street was a crowded array of creatures, with kings, queens, elves, hobbits and humans all glistening on the red carpet. Everyone was excited as they entered the Comedy Theatre, and panning across the foyer it was all aglow with smiles.
As you take your seat, you are welcomed into The Shire, a comfortable and homely little village located in the hills northwest of Middle-earth. Full of lush forest greens, warm cottages and wildflowers, you are greeted by the local fantasy folk. They immerse you into their singing and dancing with contagious enthusiasm. It’s an enticing eleventy-first birthday celebration, and you just want to be a part of it all.
The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale shines a bright light on J.R.R. Tolkien’s creative genius as it comes to life in front of you. His famous trilogy of books is celebrated in this theatrical masterpiece with a performance troupe of thirty two that envelopes you into this enchanted world he created seventy years ago.
Brought to you by the same company that owns the motion picture and stage rights for The Lord of the Rings, Middle-earth Enterprises premiered this musical in Toronto, 2006. It then went on to the UK in 2007 where it played until the following year. Revived in Berkshire in 2023, it hit Chicago in 2024 and later that year transferred to New Zealand. The Australian tour commenced in January in Sydney, and what a show they have produced!
The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale follows the story of Frodo Baggins (Rarmian Newton) and his best friend Samwise ‘Sam’ Gamgee (Wern Mak) as they travel across Middle-earth to destroy the One Ring. A there-and-back-again journey, it commences with the happiest of gatherings. But if you know Tolkien’s classic adventure, things do not stay joyous for long.
As Frodo and Sam leave behind the safety of The Shire, they slowly begin to form the foundations of a fellowship. This begins with fellow Hobbits, Meriadoc ‘Merry’ Brandybuck (Jeremi Campese) and Peregrin ‘Pippin’ Took (Hannah Buckley). Pursued by Ringwraiths, servants of the Dark Lord Sauron, they head to the village of Bree. There they meet Aragorn (Rob Mallett), a ranger of the North who is known as Strider.
Frodo is stabbed in an ensuing battle and Aragorn leads them to the Elven refuge of Rivendell, and protection of its Lord, Elrond (Andrew Broadbent). Here they reunite with the wizard, Gandalf the Grey (Terence Crawford), and meet the final members of the famous fellowship. They are Gimli (Connor Morel) a Dwarven warrior, Legolas (Hanlon Innocent) an Elven Prince and unmatched archer, and Boromir (Rohan Campbell), a noble warrior of Gondor.
As the story unfolds, they are separated and each group faces a challenge. The three hunters, Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli fight to free Merry and Pippin. They have been captured by the evil orcs controlled by Sauron and the once-wise but now corrupt wizard Saruman (Ian Stenlake). They battle in Helm’s Deep fighting off evil forces, whilst Frodo and Sam struggle to make their way to Mordor where they can destroy the ring in the fires of the mountain.
The two hobbits are followed and then guided by Gollum (Laurence Boxhall) who had found the ring, kept it, and then lost it to Frodo’s Uncle Bilbo. Gollum’s character is constantly torn between seeking both redemption and friendship in Frodo and Sam, and a cunning, twisted desire to obtain the ring once more.
It cannot be overstated that the performers in this production are absolutely outstanding. Their incredible talents lie not just in their singing, dancing and acting, but their musicality in the instruments played. Their whole embodiment of the iconic characters are both true to the books and films.
As Frodo Baggins, Rarmian Newton carries this story with heart and soul. Often, the lead actor who is on stage throughout the entire show is less remembered than the support roles. This can be because supporting characters leave a lasting impression with standout moments or unique traits. This is not the case here with Newton. You believe every moment he experiences and journey with him, enjoying the captivating performance he gives.
As Samwise Gamgee, Wern Mak is also brilliant. He is trusting and loyal, and his portrayal is sincere as to his character’s motivation. Mak brings many beautiful moments of friendship to the stage. He is tuneful with his songs whilst strumming the guitar, apt in leaving you with a reflection on kindness and hope.
Jeremi Campese plays Merry with cello in hand, and he bounces joyfully alongside the outstandingly talented violinist Hannah Buckley as Pippin. The pair deliver their characters with great enthusiasm and energy and provide both the fun and the emotion in their scenes. Their dedication to the music when playing their instruments is phenomenal, enhancing every theatrical moment when they take their bows.
The audience cheered as Laurence Boxhall appeared as Gollum, in support of his fabulous depiction. He plays the perfect split personality, leaving you looking behind and under your seat with the crawling creeps!
In complete contrast, Rob Mallett as Strider is a knight in shining armour. He has a natural presence on stage that handsomely captures the crowd. He is strong in character and powerful in delivery.
Coupled with Stefanie Caccamo as Arwen, there are some delightfully romantic moments between the pair. Together they hold love with respect and serenity, leaving you with a beautiful echo of a destined heartfelt connection. In addition, Caccamo’s vocals are truly something.
Hats off to Terence Crawford playing the great and powerful Gandalf. His depiction is authentic and impressive, and he commands a booming voice in an incredibly unforgettable scene with “You shall not pass!”
As Saruman, Ian Stenlake displays mastery on stage in his performance. Jemma Rix is the most memorable Galadriel, lighting the sky to the furthest star with her powerhouse vocals.
There are many highlights in The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale. Without giving too much away, many of these involve the use of puppets, projectors and shadows. The exciting slow-motion fight sequences are also brilliant, the stage rotating in action with Rohan Campbell’s strength in battle as Boromir, Connor Morel’s superb portrayal of Gimli and Hanlon Innocent’s clever use of bow and arrows as Legolas.
You need not have read the books or watched the movies to enjoy The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale. There is something here for everyone to love and it is definitely an experience to remember. Do not miss this absolutely phenomenal production!
The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is on now until 8 June at the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne.
The tour moves to the Gold Coast from 4 July.
Tickets: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=LOTR25
Website: https://lotronstage.com/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/lotronstage/
Photos by Daniel Boud
