- Radio Times
- Review by:
- David Crawford
Peter Jackson’s big-budget film adaptation may be out later this year, but here’s the story of the original, musical production of Tolkien’s Hobbit at a small Oxford school hall in 1967. Actor Billy Boyd, no stranger to the Shire himself, tells the tale with contributions from the original players.
About this programme
Billy Boyd, who played Peregrin `Pippin' Took in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films, narrates the story of the first musical stage production of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit at New College School in Oxford. The show was performed in 1967, from a script adapted by Humphrey Carter and with music composed by teacher Paul Drayton. The play's stars reminisce about their former roles and spotting Tolkien himself in the audience on the final night. Includes recordings from the production and songs performed by New College School's present-day choir.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Narrator
- Billy Boyd
- Contributor
- Simon Halsey
- Contributor
- Martin Pickard
- Contributor
- Stephen Lumsden
- Contributor
- Howard Goodall
Crew
- Producer
- Sara Conkey
- Share this episode
-