The Lord of the Rings - A Musical Tale review

I’ve never read The Lord of the Rings or seen the films, but you shouldn't need prior knowledge to enjoy a show, and that’s exactly why I was excited to see Lord of the Rings - A Musical Tale. I was curious how 1,200 pages of epic fantasy would be adapted into a three-hour musical, and even more intrigued by how this world would be conceived in theatre.

Visually, the production is captivating. Simon Kenny’s set design draws the audience into Middle-earth with subtle, seamless transitions as the story moves through various landscapes. The use of puppetry to bring creatures and enemies to life is a standout feature, cleverly used to build tension and horror within the limits of live performance. The costumes and make-up are consistently eye-catching and detailed, with the Orcs' imposing black outfits and masks particularly effective in conveying menace and power. Gollum is another highlight that convincingly displays what centuries of living underground can do to someone's face and body. Meanwhile, Galadriel’s golden robes convey the ethereal radiance and otherworldly presence of the Elven queen.

Naturally, condensing such a sprawling narrative into a three-hour format means the plot progresses at a rapid pace. While easy to follow, this progression sacrifices the time needed for meaningful character transformation and depth. Pivotal scenes - deaths, victories, and betrayals - sometimes feel unearned, with arcs delivered in exaggerated shorthand. Shifts in loyalty or emotional tone feels like caricatures than nuanced developments.

Laurence Boxhall stands out as Gollum - benefiting from being one of the few characters with a proper backstory - delivering the most compelling performance of the night. He presents an intense physicality and speed that conveys the creature's inner turmoil. His raspy vocal delivery makes this portrayal hauntingly authentic, a testament to Boxhall's mastery of a deeply complex character.

Connor Morel (Gimli) and Jeremi Campese (Merry) also manage to leave an impression, despite their roles being relatively thin. Ruby Clark, though in an even smaller part, brings charm and grounding as Rosie Cotton.

Unfortunately Jemma Rix's acting and musical talents are underused as Galadriel, and Stefanie Caccamo’s Arwen, while well-performed, feels out of place within this musical structure. The gender-flipping of Pippin, played by Hannah Buckley, is a smart choice to diversify the male-heavy cast, but the role itself remains underdeveloped, with little to do except run and react. Both Wern Mak (Samwise) and Rarmian Newton (Frodo) give committed performances, but even as protagonists, the script gives minimal space to explore their characters beyond the surface-level and they're there purely to serve the story.

The decision to have the musicians on stage - many of whom take on key acting roles - is a strong theatrical device that adds texture and cohesion. However, the songs and compositions occasionally fail to match the story’s ambience, with awkward ballads and mismatched jigs disrupting the emotional rhythm. The tone swings too dramatically between dark, heavy moments and celebratory ensemble numbers, often feeling emotionally forced rather than organically moving the plot forward.

Paul Hart’s direction makes full use of the stage, growing the world from Bilbo’s 111th birthday celebration into an expansive and ever-changing landscape. Working with fight director Dani McCallum, they deliver several gripping battle scenes as Frodo and his allies bravely face a range of threats on their journey.

Lord of the Rings - A Musical Tale is an ambitious and visually striking adaptation that brings Middle-earth to life in unique ways. The immersive set design, impressive puppetry, and some memorable performances help elevate the experience for audiences. However, the fast pacing leaves barely any opportunity for character development, and the inconsistent music can undermine the emotional weight of the narrative. For fans of the books or films, this musical offers a thrilling glimpse into the world of Middle-earth. For those unfamiliar with the source material, this ultimately comes across as a vibrant sketch instead of a fully realised production.

SHOW DETAILS

Venue: Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition St, Melbourne
Season: until 27 April | Tues 6:30pm, Wed - Thurs 7pm, Fri - Sat 7:30pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1:30pm and 6:30pm
Duration: 180 mins inc. 20 minute interval
Tickets: $69 - $159
Bookings: Lord of the Rings - A Musical Tale

Image credit: Daniel Boud