Middle Earth Pollutes West End???

The new West End spectacle The Lord of the Rings, which opened last month (19 June 2007) at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, is coming under fire from environmental groups and residents, as its hefty energy demands are being met by an outdoor diesel generator at the back of the venue. The £25m show includes a huge revolving stage, and the building’s existing electrical system cannot cope on its own. Speaking to the Evening Standard, producer Kevin Wallace insists that the current set-up conforms to all EU statutes regarding the environment, and that "when the show is settled we will establish what the carbon footprint is and we will make it a neutral footprint." He goes on to say that it is only planned as a temporary measure, until the existing supply is upgraded, remarking that "it is a matter of weeks before we get rid of the generator. It is a priority and I appreciate people being patient with us." In the meantime, locals are indignant at the disruption, with one man claiming "the noise and smoke is terrible. It sounds like there are three lorries going past." The blockbuster musical is currently booking until 29 March 2008.

Got some goss? Contact gossip@whatsonstage.com

Related Content