THE LORD OF THE RINGS musical returning as immersive experience in the UK

The open-air production will be staged at the Watermill Theatre in Berkshire 

I've been wondering why this show seemed to have fallen off the face of the Earth. This could be cool.

The score and original orchestrations were quite good.

One of my biggest regrets is not seeing this in London. I’d give alot for a second chance. This sounds really small scale though.

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metropolis10111 said: "One of my favorite musical experiences. I flew special to London from Chicago to see this bit of crazy and it was worth every penny. The score is so so lush. I would love it if they did it in concert but at this point Ill take what I can get, Putting this one on the calendar :)"

I agree - I found the production to be quite thrilling, and the score is fantastic and very well suited for the source material.  I've always wondered why this show hasn't had more of a life or even had a US production (to my knowledge).  I think a reimagined production could elevate the score and give this show its due.  If those pictures are legit, it looks promising.  

Thanks!

I also recall the premiere and there being much criticism and largely, collective shrugs. But I must say, this production looks fascinating. A more intimate telling of this story could have some serious legs.

Chase Miller said: "What makes this immersive?"

Came here to ask the exact same question. Looks like just a smaller scale production. Do these producers think that just because the stage comes out into the audience, it’s “immersive”? Talk about a buzzword I’m tired of seeing.

So… not immersive. Got it.

Tag said: "The original production had a preshow with hobbits and their fireflies playing throughout the orchestra seating. Was that immersive too?
(originally the preshow happened throughout the half hour, but was cut down to mere minutes for overtime reasons I believe)"

The more immersive aspect of the original production that I remember was during the second (brief) intermission, when Orcs suddenly appeared in various places throughout the fully lit house and scared the living **** out of people.  I was in the mezzanine and distinctly remember hearing random screams from below and immediately thinking there was a terrorist or something (sign of the times).  Just as the audience collectively realized it was just part of the show, the third act began with a big and unexpected boom.  It was definitely an effective way to unnerve the audience for the home stretch. 

Anyone know the runtime of this prod?

Rentaholic2 said: "Tag said: "The original production had a preshow with hobbits and their fireflies playing throughout the orchestra seating. Was that immersive too?
(originally the preshow happened throughout the half hour, but was cut down to mere minutes for overtime reasons I believe)"

The more immersive aspect of the original production that I remember was during the second (brief) intermission, when Orcs suddenly appeared in various places throughout the fully lit house and scared the living **** out of people. I was in the mezzanine and distinctly remember hearing random screams from below and immediately thinking there was a terrorist or something (sign of the times). Just as the audience collectively realized it was just part of the show, the third act began with a big and unexpected boom. It was definitely an effective way to unnerve the audience for the home stretch."

I also remember a story from Toronto that the very realistic Shelob puppet caused a panic in one orchestra theatre goer who started screaming and couldn't stop and had to be removed.