Lord of the Rings musical planned for London stage

Peter Jackson's movie adaptation of JRR Tolkien's classic trilogy has been feted for its technical wizardry and stunning realisation of Tolkien's Middle Earth. It's also been a source of relief that no hobbit, dwarf or wizard, not even Legolas the elf, breaks into song at any point. The book itself features a cast of thousands, few of whom are human, and plays out in the deepest caves and highest mountains

So you might wonder whether - bound by a single stage and few means of optical trickery - a theatrical version of The Lord of the Rings, and a musical at that, is not an impossible project.

Nonetheless, it was announced today that the show will receive its world premiere in London in spring 2005, timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the completion of the trilogy with the publication of The Return of the King.

The planned £8m production has lyrics by Shaun McKenna and music by Stephen Keeling and Bernd Stromberger, while Matthew Warchus will direct. Warchus's recent credits include the acclaimed London musicals Our House, and the Yasmina Reza plays Art and Life x 3. The production will be designed by Rob Howell, who's previously worked on West End productions of Our House, The Graduate, The Caretaker and Sophie's Choice at The Royal Opera House.

Hollywood heavyweight Saul Zaentz will co-produce with Kevin Wallace. Zaentz was involved with the disastrous 1978 cartoon version of the Fellowship of the Ring. Let's hope this venture meets with a happier fate.