The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale Review (Melbourne Australia 2025)
Summary: The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is a bold and interactive reimagining of one of the world's most influential fantasy books by the legendary J. R. R. Tolkein!
5
Spectacular!
The Australian production of The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is a bold reimagining of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary fantasy saga, bringing Middle-earth to life in a way that is both immersive and theatrical. Opening at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre on April 26, 2025, this production is a celebration of storytelling, music and adventure, offering audiences a chance to step into the world of hobbits, elves and dark forces.
From the moment you enter the Melbourne Comedy Theatre, you are not just a spectator but you feel like you are part of Middle-earth and the atmosphere feels like the volcano in Mordor, Mount Doom with the excited anticipation growing amongst the audience. The show begins with Bilbo Baggins’ (Laurence Coy) eleventy-first birthday celebration, where cast members help set the tone of the story (that most will know) but not the musical side. Needless to say, their energy is infectious and before the first note is sung, you already feel like you’ve stepped into the Shire.
Unlike traditional musicals, The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is a fusion of live music, storytelling and choreography, performed by a cast of 32 actor-musicians who not only act, sing and dance but also play instruments live on stage. This quadruple-threat approach adds a layer of authenticity and vibrancy to the performance, making it feel like a living, breathing world as the world of J. R. R. Tolkien is brought to life.
With that said, the Australian cast is exceptional, bringing beloved characters to life with depth, charisma and raw emotion. Rarmian Newton as Frodo Baggins delivers a captivating performance, balancing the innocence of a hobbit with the weight of his perilous journey. His chemistry with Wern Mak as Samwise Gamgee is heartfelt and genuine, making their friendship one of the emotional anchors of the production.
Further seeing Laurence Boxhall’s portrayal of Gollum is flawless and physical acting is something to be seen as he slithers, leaps and contorts across the stage, embodying the tortured duality of Gollum and Sméagol. His solo, Gollum’s Song, is spellbinding, capturing the tragic obsession that drives his character. Given that the entire main cast and ensemble is equally impressive, however seeing a live action Gollum was definitely the highlight for me.
The musical also boasts powerful vocal performances, particularly from Stefanie Caccamo as Arwen and Jemma Rix as Galadriel, whose voices soar through the theater, adding an ethereal quality to the production. Terence Crawford as Gandalf commands the stage with booming authority, reminiscent of Sir Ian McKellen’s legendary portrayal and was another highlight for me… and here is a musical treat courtesy of Jemma Rix;
The musical score, composed by A.R. Rahman, Värttinä and Christopher Nightingale, is a blend of folk melodies, haunting ballads and rousing battle anthems which boomed through the Melbourne Comedy Theatre. And then you have the choreography which is precise and expressive, enhancing the storytelling through fluid movement and dynamic fight sequences. The battle scenes, including Gandalf’s confrontation with the Balrog and Frodo’s encounter with Shelob, are intensely dramatic, utilizing puppetry, lighting effects and intricate fight choreography to bring these iconic moments to life.
From a set perspective, the production’s set design, prop and lighting are nothing short of a labor of love. The creative team has crafted Middle-earth with breathtaking detail, ensuring that each scene feels immersive and authentic. The use of practical effects and puppetry adds a layer of realism, making the fantastical elements of Tolkien’s world feel tangible.
Final Thoughts?
The Australian production of The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is a triumph of theatrical storytelling, blending music, movement and immersive staging to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Tolkien’s work or a newcomer to Middle-earth, this production offers an unforgettable journey that will leave you spellbound.
Highly Recommended!
For more information, please visit https://lotronstage.com/
#: Photography by Daniel Boud (Australian Production)
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