As we approach the 90^th anniversary of The Hobbit it has been brought to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival by the Emanuel Theatre Company. Condensing the 350 or so pages into a 50 min production, it covers most of the main themes of epic battles and fearsome creatures that the merry band of travellers discover. At its heart, it is about an ordinary being discovering bravery they never thought they had.

The props are simple but remarkably imaginative. Vintage luggage is rearranged to became woodland seating or a door to Smaug’s lair. The use of spider’s webs to create the capture of the dwarves was ingenious, and how do you make an actor disappear on stage?

The costumes are equally inventive: the dwarves wear plain, rustic clothing in keeping with the times while Thorin cuts a striking figure in a long purple cloak and a truly unforgettable beard. Trolls and goblins were given a sense of menace with the addition of face masks. The dragon was dramatic with its shiny wings.

Deserving of its own star is the Gollem puppet which was truly exceptional. A testament to how ingenuity can be extremely effective.

I appreciate that in a drama school, everyone wants a part, but at times, the stage was so crowded as to be confused. Sometimes less is more.

While the production occasionally suffers from an overcrowded stage, its creativity, ambition, and imaginative staging successfully capture the spirit of Tolkien’s classic, making this shortened version of The Hobbit a charming and entertaining Fringe adventure.

Reviewed by Nina Gardner

Three and a half Stars

Playing at:- UpperTheatre at the Space @ Niddry St   until 15th August.

Tickets and further information can be found following the link below

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-hobbit

Cast

Emmanuel School Theatre

Credits:

Adapted for the stage by Greg Banks.

Originally commissioned and produced by Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, Produced by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences.