An acclaimed musical production of The Lord of the Rings that premiered in Newbury last year now has its sights on the international stage, with the announcement of a new collaboration with the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.
The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale had its world premiere in Newbury’s Watermill Theatre last summer, and officially sold out its 12-week run.
It recently won the WhatsOnStage Award for ‘Regional Production, and scooped eight Broadway World Awards, while the theatre itself was joint winner of The Stage’s Theatre of the Year for its work in 2023.
Based on JRR Tolkien’s beloved trilogy of fantasy books, this version, retold from the perspective of the Hobbits, was brought to life by director and Artistic Director of the Watermill, Paul Hart.
“We loved welcoming audiences from across the world to the Shire to experience our intimate yet epic production of The Lord of the Rings, and to introduce them to our corner of West Berkshire,” said Paul.
“Now we’re setting off on our own “there and back again” journey to Chicago and we can’t wait to work with the brilliant team at Chicago Shakespeare Theater to recreate the wonder of Middle-earth for new audiences.”
The Chicago Production will open the inaugural season of Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s artistic director, Ed Hall and executive director, Kimberly Motes, and will run from July 18 to September 1.
Fredrica Drotos, steward, brand & licensing at Middle-earth Enterprises, said: “Sharing The Watermill’s wonderful expression of The Lord of the Rings with the US premiere of Paul Hart’s and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s collaborative re-imagining, is a dream come true for all of us at Middle-earth Enterprises.”
The production is all the more special to The Watermill, as it followed cuts to its arts funding: “The Watermill’s history of originating productions is well established, however, The Lord of the Rings was one of the first shows we made following the cut to our annual Arts Council funding, making this move across the Atlantic feel all the more extraordinary,” said executive director Claire Murray.
“We’re excited to collaborate with our colleagues at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on the evolution of Paul’s acclaimed production.”
The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale is based on the works by J.R.R. Tolkien, with book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus and music by Oscar and BAFTA Award winner A.R. Rahman (Bombay Dreams, Slumdog Millionaire), Värttinä and Tony Award winner and Grammy nominated Christopher Nightingale (Matilda the Musical).
