Lord of the Rings on London stage

London: The world's best loved hobbits - Frodo, Sam and Bilbo are now on stage in the theatrical production of J RR Tolkein's Lord of the Rings. The over £12 million production, which opened in London on Tuesday, is the most expensive in West End's history.

The music has been composed by A R Rahman along with Finnish composer Varttina and Christopher nightingale.

For Rahman, who had also composed music for Bombay Dreams, this was a more challenging experience.

“In the beginning I didn't know anything about Lord of Rings. At the first meeting when I met the director, I was blown by it. This score had to have an ancient kind of quality but at the same time have a contemporary feel. It had to be darker but uplifting. Audience shouldn't be tired,” says A R Rahman.

The musical directed by Marcus Warchus premiered in Toronto last year and didn't go down too well with the critics. But changes have been made since and the producers are sure that the audiences here will love the unique theatrical experience.

“They are not just sitting back. They are part of this. It's the thrill. The kids are playing, and even the adults then warm up and start playing,” says Producer, Lord of the Rings, Kevin Wallace.

And if the guest line-up at the premiere is anything to go by, this promises to be a real draw.

“I am a Tolkein fan. I have a personalised copy of the Hobbit,” says Hollywood actress Dame Judi Dench.

Bollywood actress Ayesha Dharker adds, “I have heard so much about the book.”

We may have read the books, seen the films, but if you want to step into Tolkein's middle earth, the theatrical production promises just that.