Globe Theatre Brings Beloved Book to the stage
Globe Theatre’s The Hobbit is a splendid Middle Earth spectacle
Manon Beaudoin is the first actor we meet in the Globe Theatre’s production of The Hobbit. In her case, the adage “save the best for last” is false.
As the character Old Took, she greeted audience members as they entered the theatre, then addressed them directly to begin Wednesday night’s show.
As the play’s narrator, Beaudoin sets up and weaves together the familiar J.R.R. Tolkien story, adapted for the stage by Kim Selody:
Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit, who leaves the comfort of his home at the urging of the wizard Gandalf. Bilbo becomes “the burglar” to a group of dwarfs seeking to reclaim their treasure, which has long been held captive by the dragon Smaug. It’s a fast-moving adventure with plenty of adversaries, yet the story maintains a sense of humour.
This is the case when Baggins meets Gollum, worshipper of the magical golden ring it calls “my precious.” Beaudoin excels in the role, riddling the hobbit in exchange for his life — then she returns to the stage moments later as a completely new character, Lord Eagle.
As Gollum, Beaudoin creeps and crawls in a lumpy-bodied beige costume, her face resembling a fish, with pointy teeth and eyes like goggles.
She grabs Bilbo’s arm at one point, trying to take a bite. “Is it scrumptiously crunchable?” she queries. Her hoarse and highpitched voice is uncannily like Andy Serkis in the Peter Jackson movies.
Like Beaudoin, five other cast members play multiple roles. There are 26 characters in all, the individual actors transforming with help from Catherine Hahn’s incredible costume design.
Only Colin A. Doyle and Joshua Beaudry have a consistent role — respectively, Bilbo and dwarf leader Thorin Oakenshield.
Sound designer Jeremy Sauer’s original music also helps give life to this Middle Earth fantasy. He composed new music to accompany the lyrics from the script.
Ruaridh Macdonald, Tahirih Vejdani, Evan Rein and Megan Zong make an instrumental quartet of dwarfs, beating a drum, shaking a rattle, and strumming a mandolin and a dulcimer-inspired Merlin.
They sing in harmony, joined by Beaudry — who is perfect in the role of Thorin.
Their costumes add to the effect.
Hahn has the dwarfs in tartans, leathers and fur, with tarnished helmets atop their long-haired heads.
As goblins, three actors don round heads, green and horned, and big artificial noses that give an evil grimace. Their accessories include bones and teeth.
As elves, the actors wear lush fabrics in green, blue, purple and gold, with feathered and jewelled hats and masks.
As trolls, they wear Maureen Mackintosh’s creations — oversized masks, yellow faces like melting skin under stringy blond hair. To emphasize the trolls’ largeness, the hobbit and dwarfs in this scene are represented by little dolls.
James Fagan Tait looks his part as the wizard Gandalf, in a long white robe, pointed hat and long white beard. His portrayal is flamboyant and even a little bit funny as he guides the rest of the characters.
Doyle is hobbit-like enough — although he is missing the signature big feet. He endearingly spurs himself with reminders of “eggs, bacon,” comforts of home: Hobbits are not known to be adventurers.
In real terms, the dragon, Smaug, is too big for a small theatre stage. However, the interpretation doesn’t feel small.
With five actors each holding a reddish-orange piece — half a mouth, the contour of an eye — they create the head of the dragon, which has glowing green eyes and Tait’s voice, booming through a speaker.
The Globe Theatre being in the round, the actors are not confined to the floor. They move in and out of an artificial border of stones, part of John C. Dinning ’s set design — which also includes a big, glowing, golden ring at its ceiling.
The actors appear from the top of the theatre, using the stairs as their stage and brushing up close to audience members.
Directed by Courtenay Dobbie, The Hobbit is on at the Globe Theatre through Dec. 27, with shows most days except Mondays, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For tickets or more information, visit globetheatrelive.com.
In real terms, the dragon, Smaug, is too big for a small theatre stage. However, the interpretation doesn’t feel small.