A must-see, child-friendly production of Tolkien’s fantasy tale, The Hobbit takes place at the National Children’s Theatre (NCT) until 21 May. The production is directed by the award-winning South African director, Alan Swerdlow.
The unique children’s play is based on a 2019 adaption by Greg Banks for the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, USA, and stars a versatile five-person cast of talented young actors.
Swerdlow says: “[The Hobbit] does what theatre does best. It tells a great story simply, using the imagination of the audience.”
The Hobbit is a classic tale that precedes Tolkien’s Lord Of The Rings trilogy. In essence, it tells the story of the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who leaves his home in Middle Earth with the wizard Gandalf on a quest to help a group of dwarves to recover their home and their treasure from the Dragon Smaug.
The original novel was published in 1937. Now, it is one of the best-selling books of all time. Initially, it started as a bedtime story for the SA-born author J.R.R Tolkien’s children. As such, it was nothing like the dark, disturbing, drawn-out movie versions.
“There are no really scary passages in the stage version,” says Swerdlow. “It’s a hugely entertaining piece of storytelling, that is practical to produce for a small company. It covers a lot of distance, in a clever, innovative way, with the limited resources we have.”
The show’s cast is led by Naledi award-winning actor, Gamelihle Bovana. The actors invite the audience into the story, creating a shared experience where something magical happens. Ultimately, The Hobbit boasts an opportunity for kids, parents and grandparents — as well as schools—to be part of something special.
The Hobbit is a not-to-be-missed theatre experience for children nine years and older, and offers a unique opportunity for kids to unleash their creative imagination. The show runs from 16 April to 21 May.
For more information, visit www.quicket.co.za or www.nctheatresa.org, email info@NCTheatreSA.org.za or call 011 484 1584 or 071 429 2570.
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