[Estelyn Telcontar]

I saw the show in London and enjoyed it very much! I realize that it was changed from the Toronto version, which was apparently a test-drive, and it will be interesting to see what changes are made for the next 'edition'. If it comes anywhere near me in Germany, I will definitely plan to see it there.

Of course a stage version that is played on one evening has to be cut down, both time-wise and space-wise, even more than the movie version was. I was able to allow for that because there were some things that I found positive. It will not surprise anyone who knows my preference for the royal family of Gondor that I really liked the way Arwen was portrayed. On the other hand, Galadriel's role was revved up too much for my taste. I could go on like that, but I would like to point out one aspect that I find important - physical presence. There is something about being in the same room with the actors rather than seeing everything on a screen that makes a difference. The personal experience is a factor that shouldn't be underestimated, the third dimension that even today's technology cannot yet offer on flat screens.

I hope there will be all kinds of versions of Tolkien's works performed in the future, keeping the stories alive to introduce new readers to the books. I know of at least one puppet performance which friends saw, and like Smith of Wootton Major, I am not ashamed of the little doll fairy queen if she can awake some hearts to the enchanted realm.