A phenomenal experience that has to be seen. The show revives the Lord of the Rings stage musical in the tranquil setting of the Watermill Theatre that could sit right inside the Shire.

Starting outside in the theatre's garden, under a large tree, we begin with Bilbo's birthday with cast pouring in, interacting with the audience to begin the garden party. After a lively and immersive introduction, the show continues inside the cosy space of the small theatre.

With cast playing both their role and various musical instruments throughout the performance, often filling the stage with movement and melody, this is one of the most dynamic shows I think it's possible to see.

With simple effects like a revolving stage, hidden doors and practical effects, the conversion from large to small stage has been extremely successful. The cosiness draws you into the play as actors use the full space on, around and above the stage.

The songs are wonderful and in this reviewer's opinion are played at least as well as their original productions. The authenticity of live performance from actor-musician adds immeasurably to the feeling of the story; these are very talented people.

The story takes some deviation away from the book for sake of brevity, and more-so than the movies, so if you're a purist you might find fault. Put that aside though and you'll find the bones are the same, the highlights are there, and it's delivered well.

It was so good I went back and saw it again, the second just as good as the first. My only regret is I couldn't see it a third.

From the moment you arrive at the theatre it feels special, an old mill sat alongside a shallow stream and for this performance decorated ready for Bilbo's party. On a warm summer night it feels truly magical.

The energy as the party starts is infectious, and as the play ends back outside in the dark the feeling of melancholy fits perfectly with the final moments of the story.

The theatre itself is special, full of wood and used to effect during a meeting with Ents. The smaller space amplifies the performance of the narrative which, despite its grand scope, is ultimately an intimate tale of companionship through adversity.