Roy Marsden's direction of The Hobbit which opened at Belfast's Grand Opera this week portrayed JRR Tolkien's fantasy novel with a bang and a fizz the audience will never forget.
| The book was a really boring read but the play made all the characters come to life. |
Captivating sound and visually impressive light effects coupled with magic fire tricks wowed young spectators and kept more frequent theatre-goers on their toes.
Sorcerer Gandalf made a grand entrance into the underground home of Hobbit Bilbo Baggins and convinced him to go with exiled king Thorin Oakenshield and his band of dwarves to reclaim stolen treasures from Smaug the Dragon.
On their perilous journey, the gang battle against Trolls, a giant spider, Goblins, Lakemen, Wood Elves and finally against the mighty, smoke-breathing Smaug.
"The sound effects in the play gave it a convincing atmosphere. The scenery was brilliant you could even see the texture on the trees," Amanda McAteer said.
Set changes were swift; a humble burrow swung around to become rugged rocks and dense forest.
"The book was a really boring read but the play made all the characters come to life. I understand The Hobbit now," Amanda said.
"Each creatures' costume was brilliant; you knew immediately who they were. The trolls were big and ugly with lumps and bumps on their heads and the wood-elves were dressed in green with silver face makeup," Siobhan Quinn said.
Many tired but content young faces emerged from the Grand Opera House after the two and a bit hour-long play finished.
"Children enjoyed the play. It was worth seeing but too long. I think if it was shortened a bit in the future it could attract more young people," said Siobhan.
About the team
This article was produced by reporters Siobhan Quinn (12), Amanda McAteer (13), Conor Magowan and Benen & Lucas Dillon (10). It was published in the News Letter in Northern Ireland.
Read the Birmingham bureau's review of Lord of the Rings:The Fellowship of the Ring.
