Customer Reviews

Lord of the Rings Official Stage Companion

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I read this book before I saw the production (it arrived the morning before we left to see it), it covered every detail of the cast and crews journey which should prove to others that this interpretation was not just a money making venture but a sincere attempt to bring Tolkens world to the theatre. They succeeded since this production did push the ideas of storytelling to a place which was fantastically captivating. From each page thoughtfully chosen photos bring to life the memory of the Toronto and London productions. The costumes are fabulous to look on in more detail and the evolution of the ingenious stage design is just as interesting to read about as it was to see. The book largely focuses on the London cast and the brave steps they each took in bringing their characters to life ... if you were an Elf; you needed a head for heights and if you were a Hobbit a competent level of physical dexterity was needed, especially if you had to clime over members of the audience or if you happened to be a leaping Orc ... all of this is covered in the book, all the ideas reveal a level of originality which hasn't been seen in the West End for some time and perhaps not achieved as well. For all of the shows apparent growing success, it's early closure seems surprisingly unfair, for it is to be replaced by Andrew Lloyd Webbers new Oliver production-(Mr Webber wanted that theatre badly it seems); for myself the West End continues to be a place battling with artistic freedoms and business sense usurping them all too often but every once in awhile something unexpected arrives which takes your breath away and this book goes someway in preserving that first experience we had. A great book ... maybe Wallace productions will issue a dvd which utilises many of the videos which appeared on the web site ... I am sure there must be more production footage which still remains unseen?!

"Lothlorien is no more but her beauty is here reborn, you have used my gift well Samwise Gamgee...Frodo Baggins, jewel among Hobbits, if your hurts grieve you still and the memory or your burden is heavy come with us ... all your wounds and weariness will be healed ..."

I recieved the cd and couldn't wait to play it. Love the movies of LORD OF THE RINGS and I think the cd is great too. Then, I couldn't believe that they put out a book.........ordered it as soon as I saw it and I real think I would have liked to have see this on stage. The book is just wonderful to look at and listen to the cd at the same time. And to disappointed... it closes not in June but, July. Hope someday it gets to the U.S.

Having bought the CD of the London cast, I was curious to read the book about the production as well. It is a fascinating (at least to me) look at what goes into creating & presenting a stage production of this magnitude. There are interesting pictures (not nearly enough of Aragorn, mind you) & interesting details throughout.

Such a great book. So interesting! Tons of colored pictures, many I hadn't seen before and a lot of interesting facts. It is a terrific behind the scenes look at such a technically difficult show. Definitely worth the buy!

As I had seen this production at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane London and had bought the CD. I thought this would complete my collection and memories. Dissapointed because the majority of the book revolved around the pre London trial engagement in Toronto. There are very few references to London.At least I have my memories of one of the most fantastic, memorable and enjoyable shows I have ever seen. Shame that profits come before art and entertainment I believe it closes in London June 18th 2008. Unfortunately I will not beable to get back to London to see it again.