AT A GLANCE...

An ambitious adaptation of Tolkien’s beloved tale set against the backdrop of the London Blitz. Faithful to the spirit and text of the original narrative, this show contains all twelve of the songs Tolkien wrote into the story, with a beautiful and fully orchestrated score. A large ensemble book musical with plenty of exciting roles, puppetry, and technical wizardry!

 

ROLES: 30 speaking roles (most can be played by m/f) with flexible chorus including a number of additional small speaking roles. 

 

MUSIC: 12 songs orchestrated for 13-piece orchestra. The style is folk/epic/filmic. Mostly ensemble singing, some featured soloists.

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OVERVIEW

London, 1940. As the Blitz rages, a boy and his grandfather take refuge in an air-raid shelter. In this hole in the ground a story unfolds…

Wrenched from his comfortable existence by the wizard Gandalf, Bilbo Baggins joins Thorin Oakenshield’s company of dwarves as they seek to regain their long-lost treasure and homeland. On this perilous journey Bilbo must face man-eating trolls, goblin hordes and the mighty dragon, Smaug, while proving himself to his companions. The Hobbit is a tale of one small person finding courage and comradeship on the greatest adventure of his life.

This is a truly epic show, perfect for ambitious school, youth or amateur groups. The original production included video projections, but it is possible to stage the production using alternatives, e.g. puppets.

 

The dwarves were played by children of all ages; there is no need for marked height differences. Costume designs play a key role in differentiating between dwarves, men, elves and goblins. The trolls were performed using hand-held mask puppets. The original costume designs are available.

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Watch the short teaser below from the acclaimed 2023 Oxford Playhouse premiere.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Any production of this adaptation will need to seek permission from Middle-earth Enterprises, who own the copyright. Additional royalties may be charged.