Tolkien takes to the stage (From Stroud News and Journal)

Tolkien takes to the stage

STONEHOUSE is bracing itself for an invasion of goblins, dwarves, elves and dragons.

Maidenhill School is putting on an adaptation of children's classic The Hobbit this week after teacher Angela Lamond adapted the book for the stage.

With filmgoers still flocking to the cinemas to see Tolkien's other tale of hobbits and adventure, Lord of the Rings, the timing could not have been better for the production.

But Ms Lamond told the News & Journal it was pure chance that the school play would coincide with the blockbuster movie.

"We did a big musical last year, Jesus Christ Super Star, and thought we'd do something completely different," she said.

Though the production was not inspired by the popularity of the film, the students who designed the costumes have drawn heavily on its visual feel.

"We were influenced by that Olde English, fustian look," said Ms Lamond.

"For the elves we've gone for a rather ethereal look and the staff and pupils have made the dragon together."

Smaug the dragon breathes real fire thanks to a (perfectly safe) flame thrower while ultraviolet light is employed to create invisibility.

In an interesting narrative twist, the action opens not in Hobbiton but in a child's bedroom, where his baby-sitter offers to read him a story and finds a copy of the Hobbit amongst his books.

There are performances tonight, tomorrow and on Friday and tickets are available from the school on 01453 822469.