Theatre News

Opening: The Hobbit

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8 June 2010

Following three national tours and two acclaimed capacity seasons at the Queen’s Theatre in London’s West End, the incredible magic of JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit will be playing at the Liverpool Empire from today until Saturday 12 June.

The stage adaptation has been created by Glyn Robbins, known to millions of theatregoers for his adaptations of the CS Lewis classics, including The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The Empire stage will be transformed into Middle Earth for this classic adventure of wizards, magic rings and a dragon’s treasure.

JRR Tolkien created a series of literary works set in the fantasy realm of Middle-Earth, populated with wonderfully original and magical characters. These culminated in the trilogy The Lord of the Rings, which had its origins in The Hobbit. A firm favourite with both young and old, The Hobbit has sold over 42 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 26 languages.

Bilbo Baggins (played by Peter Howe who studied at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts), a quiet and contented Hobbit, has his life turned upside down when he’s chosen by Gandalf the Sorcerer to join Thorin Oakenshield, exiled King of the Dwarves, on his quest to reclaim their kingdom and treasure. With the aid of magic and illusion, audiences will join Gandalf as he leads Bilbo and his Dwarf companions on a frightening but magical journey, a journey from which they might never return!

The Hobbit is directed by Roy Marsden, now best known for his portrayal of Inspector Dalgleish in the televised versions of the PD James novels. It is produced by Vanessa Ford. First produced in 1999, it has played to capacity houses across the UK and in London. Vanessa Ford has been producing family theatre for over 20 years, and like many previous productions this show can be appreciated on many levels by adults and children alike.

The Hobbit appears at the Liverpool Empire theatre from 8-12 June. Tickets cost £14.50-£23.50.