Tan Li AnnI’ll admit it, I didn’t know much about The Lord of the Rings beyond its pop culture fame. But as someone who loves musicals in general, I was curious to see how such a legendary story would be brought to life on stage. What unfolded was nothing short of breathtaking. The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale wasn’t just a musical, but a heartwarming journey that drew me into Middle Earth in ways I never anticipated.
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A quick introduction to The Lord of the Rings
Image credit: Daniel Boud
For the uninitiated, The Lord of the Rings is a fantasy trilogy written by J.R.R. Tolkien in the 1950s. It follows a young Hobbit named Frodo who inherits a mysterious gold ring. What seems like a simple trinket is revealed to be the One Ring, a powerful object that could destroy the world if it falls into the wrong hands. With the help of his loyal friend Sam and a fellowship of unlikely heroes (Elves, Dwarves, Men, and Wizards), Frodo embarks on a perilous quest to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom.
Act I: The adventure begins early
Although the show was scheduled to start at 8pm, the cast appeared about 10 minutes early, setting the scene for Bilbo Baggins’ 111th birthday. They mingled with the audience in the front rows, played their instruments, and filled the theatre with playful energy. But the lighthearted tone quickly shifts when Frodo learns of the One Ring’s true danger and embarks on his perilous journey.
Image credit: Daniel Boud
Along the way, the fellowship encounters the elves, whose otherworldly presence fills the theatre with an aura that feels both serene and mystical. Not long after, Frodo slips on the Ring, triggering a striking stage sequence that transforms into the Ford of Bruinen, a cascading waterfall where, in Tolkien’s tale, a great flood sweeps away the pursuing Ringwraiths.
Image credit: Daniel Boud
Danger continues when Pippin accidentally drops a stone down a well, alerting dark forces in the Mines of Moria. The tension rises as Gandalf the Grey bravely confronts the mighty Balrog in one of the most dramatic moments of the first act. The act closes with a gentler interlude in Lothlórien, where Galadriel offers guidance and solace to the weary fellowship before they continue their quest.
Act II: The journey to Mount Doom continues
Image credit: Daniel Boud
The second act opens with Gollum appearing, his obsession with the Ring immediately putting Frodo and Sam on edge. The key point of the act, however, is Frodo’s confrontation with Shelob, the monstrous spider lurking in the shadows. This chilling encounter pushes the Ring-bearer to the brink, but with Sam’s unwavering loyalty, the journey presses on toward Mount Doom.
Image credit: Daniel Boud
The climax comes with the destruction of the Ring, a moment of both chaos and catharsis as Middle Earth is finally freed from Sauron’s grip. In the aftermath, Aragorn claims his place as king, fulfilling his destiny and bringing a sense of renewal and hope.
My thoughts on The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale
Image credit: Daniel Boud
One of the most remarkable aspects of The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is its cast of multi-talented actor-musicians. Unlike traditional musicals with an orchestra pit, here, every performer sings, acts, and plays instruments live on stage, seamlessly integrating music into the storytelling.
Throughout the performance, the cast brings a wide array of instruments to life on stage, including guitar, violin, accordion, drums, cello and other traditional folk instruments, creating a rich and immersive soundscape. The energy and precision required are astonishing, and it adds a vibrant, immersive dimension to the performance.
Rarmian Newton as Frodo and Wern Mak as Sam anchor the cast with grounded, heartfelt performances, capturing the courage and loyalty of the beloved hobbits. Jemma Rix as Galadriel delivers a spellbinding combination of vocal power and stage presence, while Laurence Boxhall’s transformation into Gollum, an intense 45-minute process before each show, brings the tormented creature vividly to life.
For anyone planning to catch the show, my top tip would be to arrive at least 10 minutes early, as the cast often interacts with the audience. And if you haven’t grabbed your tickets yet, the Singapore season runs until 31 Aug 2025. There’s still some time to experience Middle Earth in all its musical glory!
