Rings musical divides opinions

The stage version of JRR Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings has opened in London to a mixed reception from critics.While its cast of singing orcs and hobbits received a standing ovation, the reviews for the most expensive production in West End history were generally not so kind.One critic declared the show a "thumping great flop", while others said the storytelling was "rushed" and described the production as "corny".The musical boasts pyrotechnics, acrobatics and numerous other special effects to recreate Middle Earth, including a £1m revolving stage which conceals a series of hydraulic lifts.Some critics were impressed by the spectacular nature of the show, with one describing it as a "wonder", while another said he "couldn't see how it could be better done."A host of celebrities, including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Dame Judi Dench, Kevin Spacey, Richard E Grant and Brian May attended the opening night.Dame Judi said: "For anyone who is a Tolkien fan, it is just a terrific treat. I have never seen the films but I am a great fan of Tolkien's writing. It has wonderful choreography and the cast worked so hard."The show stars Laura Michelle Kelly, best known to West End audiences as Mary Poppins, as the Elvish queen Galadriel.© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

ITN | June 20, 2007

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