Backstage with The Lord Of The Rings’ Gollum, Shelob and the Nazgul

Key Concepts:

• Gollum's physicality and voice in "The Lord Of The Rings – A Musical Tale"
• Makeup and sensory experience of embodying Gollum
• Movement inspired by nature (octopus) and book descriptions
• Vocal techniques: combining Serkis, Tolkien, and personal interpretation
• Prop design and puppetry: Nazgul, Gandalf's staffs, Shelob
• Musicality of Tolkien's work and its integration into the musical
• Themes of hope, perseverance, friendship, and overcoming differences

Gollum's Portrayal: Physicality and Voice

Laurence Boxhall discusses the challenges and excitement of playing Gollum. He emphasizes the importance of physical transformation, noting the lack of hair as a significant aspect. He describes his lifelong fascination with the character and his subconscious preparation for the role.

• Physicality: Boxhall avoids "pretty shapes," aiming for an "ugly" yet safe and character-true portrayal. He draws inspiration from an octopus moving along the seabed to create Gollum's crawling movements, focusing on wet, prune-fingered hands pulling along rocks. He also incorporates details from the books regarding Gollum's movements.
• Voice: Boxhall's approach to Gollum's voice is a blend of Andy Serkis's film interpretation, Tolkien's own narration, and his personal interpretation. He aims to create a recognizable Gollum voice while adding unique elements like a deeper register, gravelly snarl, and bark, referencing descriptions in the books. He warms up extensively with lip trills and hums. He also trains himself to salivate more to create gurgling sounds in the back of his throat.

Makeup and Sensory Experience

The makeup process is described as a head-to-toe transformation done while standing. Boxhall avoids looking in the mirror until the entire process is complete.

• Sensory Details: The application of makeup, especially the blood detailing, is described as abrasive and scratchy, contributing to the feeling of embodying the character. As the paint dries, his skin feels tight and dehydrated, creating a sense of not being in his own skin. This physical discomfort enhances his performance.

Prop Design and Puppetry

Gina, the head of props, puppetry, and illusions, discusses key props in the musical.

• Nazgul Puppets: The Dark Rider puppets (Nazgul) are designed to be interactive, even snapping at the audience during the "Flight to the Ford" scene, where the hobbits escape from Bree to Rivendell.
• Gandalf's Staffs: Two versions of Gandalf's staff are used, one for Act One and another for Act Two, representing the character's presence and the magic within the story.
• Shelob Puppet: The Shelob puppet requires six puppeteers to operate and crawls downstage, creating a dramatic effect. Its full reveal is kept secret to encourage audience attendance.

Musicality and Themes

The musical incorporates the numerous songs and poems present in Tolkien's books, contrasting with the single song in the films.

• Tolkien's Intention: The musical aims to fulfill Tolkien's intention of integrating music into the story, creating an immersive experience for the audience.
• Themes of Hope and Perseverance: The musical emphasizes themes of hope, perseverance, friendship, and overcoming differences. It acknowledges that life is not always neatly resolved, as seen in Frodo's damaged state at the end of the story. This reflects Tolkien's experiences in World War I and the idea that "life continues and you will be alright."

Notable Quotes:

• Laurence Boxhall: "It's trying to be as ugly as you humanly can be while still doing it safely and true to the character."
• Laurence Boxhall: "...I want to do a third of what Andy Serkis is doing, I want to do a third of what Tolkien did. I want to do a third of what I can do specifically to me..."
• Laurence Boxhall: "...life continues and you will be alright."

Synthesis/Conclusion:

"The Lord Of The Rings – A Musical Tale" aims to provide an immersive and faithful adaptation of Tolkien's work, emphasizing the musicality inherent in the books. Laurence Boxhall's portrayal of Gollum involves a detailed physical and vocal transformation, enhanced by the sensory experience of makeup. The production utilizes impressive props and puppetry to bring iconic characters and creatures to life. Ultimately, the musical seeks to convey the enduring themes of hope, perseverance, and the importance of friendship in overcoming adversity, reflecting Tolkien's own experiences and offering a timely message for contemporary audiences.