The UK launch of The Lord of the Rings Stage Show follows a hugely successful seven-month preview run in Toronto, which attracted 420,000 people. In excess of a million people are anticipated to see the show during its first year in the UK. The production generated an economic impact of more than $640 million to Toronto and the province of Ontario during its hit run, now we can only wait what will happen to London!

Today we see the publication of a hardcover illustrated companion of The Lord of the Rings stage show, which features exclusive interviews and photographs of the creation of one of the world’s most ambitious theatre adaptations. It contains over 120 full-colour photos and illustrations combined to provide the fascinating story of how a big-budget show is born. it is a fascinating book which will not only be nice for people who will actually have a chance to see the theatre show, but also for Lord of the Rings lovers and collectors.

The Lord of the Rings theatre show will be the biggest, most expensive production ever mounted, combining in three acts the spectacle of 'Cirque du Soleil', together with special visual effects never before seen on a live stage.

Published to coincide with the London gala premiere at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 19 June 2007, the book is a sumptuous coffee-table celebration of the sets, costumes and design of the show. It is the only companion to the show, fully illustrated and officially endorsed.

It tells the incredible story of how Emmy award-winning producer Kevin Wallace secured the rights to the 'Holy Grail' of theatre from showbiz legend, Saul Zaentz, how the script has changed with the evolution of the show, and features in-depth interviews with the key members of the team, among them the director Matthew Warchus, scriptwriter Shaun McKenna, Musical Director Chris Nightingale, and designer Rob Howell.

Visit www.lotr.com for more information on the musical.

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