The Lord of the Rings to close 19 July 2008

The Lord of the Rings, has posted closing notices at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for 19 July 2008.

Discussions are under way for the production to re-open in Germany in November 2009 with a German-speaking cast. THe creative team is also developing a touring version to launch in New Zealand in 2009 before being presented in cities across Australia and the Far East. Producer Kevin Wallace said today, “The show’s creative team has proven just how enchanting, exhilarating and powerfully entertaining The Lord of the Rings can be live on stage. We will continue to bring this incredible theatrical event to audiences in London until 19 July, and we look forward to presenting the show to new audiences abroad from 2009.”

The show opened at the Drury Lane Theatre 19 June 2007, following previews from 9 May, to mixed notices from the popular press: MICHAEL BILLINGTON for THE GUARDIAN says, "I had a perfectly good time at Drury Lane."; PAUL TAYLOR for THE INDEPENDENT says, "A bit of an identity crisis, strong on dynamic spectacle, squeezed as drama, and in two minds about how it wants to use music dramatically." KIERON QUIRKE for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "Ill-fated at conception, tedious and vulgar in execution." CHARLES SPENCER for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "Tiresome grandiosity with mind-rotting mediocrity" SAM MARLOWE for THE TIMES says, "A brave, stirring, epic piece of popular theatre."

This musical stage adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic trilogy has book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna & Matthew Warchus and music by A.R. Rahman & Varttina with Christopher Nightingale.

It is directed by Matthew Warchus, cheography by Peter Darling , designs & costumes by Rob Howell and is produced in London by Kevin Wallace and Saul Zaentz.

The production uses the very latest in special effects and ingenious design to transport you directly to the world of Middle-earth.