If you’ve ever longed to explore the worlds of Middle-earth – the cosy village of Hobbiton, the fantastical Elvish sanctuary of Rivendell, or even the fiery pits of Mordor (weird choice, but you do you) – you’d better get a seat in the stalls at The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale, now playing at Sydney’s State theatre. The story happens all around you.
An delightful, extended pre-show has hobbits running all over the aisles, greeting the audience, posing for photos, and welcoming us all to Bilbo Baggins’ “eleventy-first” birthday party, the event that kicks off the action in JRR Tolkien’s fantasy trilogy. There’s ring toss, social dancing and chatter. For a moment, you’re a hobbit. It’s safe, warm and lovely.
