When I turn coat, I do it in style. I spent a large chunk of yesterday directing plaintive whines towards anyone likely to listen, it having suddenly occurred to me that I don't really like musicals, so a three-hour one, even based on my life-long literary passion, was probably going to be an exercise in strength of will(ow).
I was basing this opinion, however, on the miserable experience that was, fittingly, Les Miserables. There is only so much joy can be wrought from abject poverty and the killing of small children in the name of revolution.
Lord of the Rings, I was overexcited to discover, was the opposite: lavish, lush, imaginative and full of surprise after clever surprise. It must have been hernia-inducingly expensive to put on: from the detail of the costumes to the giant climbing vines adorning the stage and front boxes to the constant effects and splendour, everything was as big and bright as possible.
They did an admirable job of avoiding comparison with the movies. The characterisation was different, the themes and emphasis were a step away - everything was different enough to stand alone.
At the very beginning, the theatre is filled with wandering hobbits, mingling with the audience and trying to catch fireflies. This marvellous interaction continues when, in the small break I think replaced the second interval, the theatre is invaded by bounding orcs. One of which, to my delight, took it upon himself to terrorise my brother.
I stalked Scrooge-like past the merchandise stalls at the beginning, scoffing at the idea of buying anything. "It's not like it's the movie version," I thought to myself. Having turned coat by halfway through, I ended up scurrying back out during the interval and picking up brochure, programme, poster and soundtrack.
Which decision I am relieved to have made, as I haven't stopped humming one of the songs ever since. Who the hell was I kidding? If it relates to Lord of the Rings, I will not only love it passionately, I will hunt and gather as much memorabilia as I can, to be hoarded within the nooks and crannies of my flat. I will also lust after Aragorn, this is a given.
Oh and I brushed up against Michelle from Skins in the ladies' room.
2 comments:
Ah yes, Willow. I will speak heresy and say that I saw Les Mis in London and I was tres mis. So it's nice to hear that The Lord of the Rings was good to you :)
I'm glad it wasn't just me, I simply can't understand why it's so popular!
Post a Comment