This Saturday (August 4) at 10.30am, Billy Boyd will narrate the story behind the first ever stage production of of J.R.R.Tolkien’s The Hobbit on BBC Radio 4.
The very first stage production, written by Humphrey Carpenter with music composed by Paul Drayton, was performed at New College School in Oxford in 1967.
Some of the choristers in that first production are now eminent in the musical world: choral conductor Simon Halsey, Opera North’s Martin Pickard and artist’s agent Stephen Lumsden. Composer Howard Goodall watched his older brother Ashley perform. They talk about their memories and of Tolkien’s presence in the audience on the last night.
Thanks to Ringer Andrew for the heads-up.
Update: Ringer HuanCry adds that Radio 4 is also broadcasting a documentary Tolkien in Love the day before.
A treat for all you Billy Boyd fans out there; we reported back in March that Beecake, the band of which Boyd is a part, were set to release a new EP this June. That EP, ‘Please Stay’, is available now for digital download, from iTunes and (title track only, it seems) from Amazon. You can find more details at Grammy or at Beecake’s own website. And – there is a fabulous video to go with the title track! For Pippin-lovers and lovers of good music – enjoy:
Many thanks to Michael J Ferns, who directed the music video, for letting us know about it.
Beecake, the Scottish alternative rock band of which actor Billy Boyd is a part, are set to release a four song EP in June. You can hear their newest song exclusively on grammy.com. Have a listen; personally I’m loving it! You can also show the band your love at their facebook page, or check out their website. Middle-earth actors are such a talented bunch!
This week’s ‘Hobbit in 5’ gives us the details on the Hobbit shoot in New Zealand, the new video game ‘Lord of the Rings: War in the North’, and the recent Hobbit reunion as seen in Empire Magazine. Take a look!
From empireonline.com: It’s ten years on since four little hobbits set off from the Shire on an epic quest that spanned Middle Earth and took in vast battles, demonic monsters, wizardry, Orcs and, ultimately, enough Oscars to fill the Lonely Mountain. It’s ten years that have seen the rise and fall and rise again of two-part prequel The Hobbit, now firmly in production in Wellington, offering moviegoers an imminent return to Middle Earth.
Obviously this all called for a big celebration so a celebration is what Empire is having. The new issue is more bursting with revelry and nostalgia than a Friday night at the Prancing Pony. There’s tall tales – well, tallish tales – memories; behind-the-scenes pics from Aragorn himself, Viggo Mortensen; Oscar night reflections from Ian McKellen, Peter Jackson and Mortensen; and rarely-seen concept art.
Best of all, though, is a gathering of the four hobbits themselves: Elijah Wood (Frodo), Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee), Billy Boyd (Pippin) and Dominic Monaghan (Merry). It was so momentous it called for its own trailer – and here it is for your perusal pleasure. Sadly the Nazgûl got stuck in LA traffic.
shortlist.com has an interview with Orlando Bloom where they ask him about The Hobbit, check out the pertinent info below and read the whole interview here!
You’re rumoured to be returning as Legolas in The Hobbit. Can you tell us anything about the project?
I wish I could. I would be honoured if I was asked to do it, and I would run to work with Peter Jackson again. I adore him and I’m so excited at the prospect of it. But at this stage, it’s not something I can confirm. Continue reading “Orlando Bloom Talks ‘Hobbit’”
This Saturday (August 4) at 10.30am, Billy Boyd will narrate the story behind the first ever stage production of of J.R.R.Tolkien’s The Hobbit on BBC Radio 4.
