The Watermill Theatre’s ambitious immersive production of The Lord of the Rings, based on J R R Tolkien’s trilogy and adapted by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus, is an absolute triumph and Paul Hart’s skilful inventive direction is quite magical.
As you arrive past the trees and the river Lambourn, you are welcomed into the atmospheric land of Middle Earth past the colourful village stalls into the Watermill’s beautiful garden to join in the celebration of Bilbo Baggins’s 111thbirthday, delightfully played by John O’Mahony.
We are greeted by the Hobbits, who enthusiastically dance and sing and engage with the audience in playing village green games.
But Bilbo has an important announcement to make as he passes the ring to Frodo, a superb subtle performance from Louis Maskell, as we are excitedly ushered into the theatre to continue this epic tale.
Simon Kenny’s striking wooden set design with a huge knot in the centre transforms into many spellbinding settings, with stunning projections by George Reeve and dramatic, atmospheric lighting designed by Rory Beaton. Anjali Mehra’s choreography is powerful and exhausting.
Frodo has an epic journey to undertake in order to destroy the powers of the ring, and he is joined by his loyal friend Sam (Nuwan Hugh Perera) and the faithful Merry (Geraint Downing) and the trusted Pippin (Amelia Gabriel) as they begin their hazardous quest to defeat the evil that is ahead of them.
They encounter battles, giant spiders and frightening, huge horse puppets that stretch into the audience designed by Charlie Tymms.
The 20 extremely talented actor-musicians all perform with total commitment, playing such a variety of instruments from harp to French horn with utter confidence and sing and act with panache.
The score by Christopher Nightingale, A R Rahman and Värrtinä ranges from ballads to large ensemble numbers.
The fight between good and evil is intense. The wise wizard Gandalf (Peter Marinker) struggles to keep his powers under control. Georgia Louise’s Elf Galadriel is impressive, as is Aoife O’Dea as Arwen, and Matthew Bugg is outstanding as the athletic, evil Gollum.
This is an unmissable, spectacular production.