Aaron Sidwell plays Aragorn in the highly anticipated The Lord of the Rings at the Watermill Theatre, a musical tale based on the classic trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien, with book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus and music by A.R. Rahman (Bombay Dreams, Slumdog Millionaire), Värttinä and Tony Award winner and Grammy nominated Christopher Nightingale (Matilda the Musical).
With the production set across both the Watermill auditorium and gardens, audiences will be immersed in the magical landscape of Middle-earth, joining an ensemble cast and large-scale puppets on an epic journey celebrating the power of friendship and common goodness to conquer unimaginable evil.
The Lord of the Rings, starring Aaron Sidwell as Aragorn is at the Watermill Theatre until 15th October.
You’re appearing in the brand new production of The Lord of the Rings at Watermill Theatre, what can you tell us about this musical?
This is the ultimate story of good vs evil, of David vs Goliath and, in its essence, it’s the ultimate love story.
What was it about Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus’ script that made you so keen to be a part of it?
I really felt that the story had heart. It’s such a skill to take three epic books and condense it into one evening of theatre but what Matthew and Shaun have done is just that. They’ve kept the core of the story and characters and have put them at the heart of the show’s journey.
And how would you describe the music in the show?
Very fitting to the world of Lord of the Rings. It never feels like we burst into a musical number for no reason. The books, and to some degree the films, are very musical. This show just feels like an extension of that world.
You’re playing Aragorn, what are you enjoying most about the role?
The challenge of taking something so connected to such an incredible actor and trying to refresh and renew him. It’s a challenge and one I’ve still certainly not cracked yet.
What do you think has been the biggest challenge of bringing such an epic story to the stage?
Certainly, the scale of it. But there’s also a charm in that. Taking it back to its main purpose, which is telling a story, has felt like our way through those huge set pieces.
The production takes place both inside and outside the theatre, and features large scale puppets, have you ever worked on anything like this before and what has surprised you most about it?
Puppets, not before now, no. If I’m honest the biggest surprise is how effective, they can be at creating the effect they’ve been put there for. I’ve done a few open-air productions before and they certainly come with their challenges. Mainly weather but I think we will be ok on that front. The theatre is on it.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see The Lord of the Rings?
I honestly think you will massively regret it if you miss this show. It hasn’t been done in 15 years. Miss out now and who knows how long you’ll have to sit around listening to your mates talk about how brilliant it was.
