JADAR

★★★★☆

When I think of The Lord of The Rings, I think back to that summer holiday movie marathon, the thrill of The Hobbit’s cinematic release, and a library book that I never quite finished. One taste of the whimsical Shire and the juxtaposing horrors of Mordor was enough to get me hooked on Tolkien’s mythological wonder. Of course, when I heard about the parody, I was instantly drawn in. But shall it pass this nerd’s critique or will it sizzle in the pits of Mount Doom?

Parody of The Rings follows the playfully named ushers Peter (Jacob Aldroft) and Jackson (Alexandra Ricou) on their bid to save a collapsing theatre with a 12-hour LOTR movie marathon. After the projector catches fire, the stooges have to find a new way to keep the crowds entertained. What proceeds is the duo stringing together the stories of all three movies in little more than an hour, aided by audience members, props, ring-shaped snacks, and soundtracks… It’s LOTR as you’ve never seen it before!

For our showing, director Matthew Emeny stepped into Peter’s shoes… rather seamlessly might I add! 

As audiences entered the studio, the pair hurried round in character, welcoming visitors, passing out props, and chatting. Fans decked in slogan tees and buzzing with anticipation took their seats in the aptly intimate space, united by their love of the franchise. 

For the show, Fellowship of the Ring is explored in full, but for time’s sake the majority of Twin Towers and Return of the King are kept hilariously abrupt, cutting major arcs and characters, yet somehow maintaining most of the franchise’s momentum. Admittedly, I’d love to see how they would have tackled the elks, witch king, or the battle of Moranonn, but the short run time actually works to the show’s advantage. It never outstayed its welcome, their hilarious, punchy routines had the audience howling from start to end.

Each iconic moment and corny line was perfectly recreated from the slow-motion ring fall (aided by a fishing line) and dramatic silent sobs, to Viggo’s broken toe and Gandalf’s dizzying spin (via swivel chair). The lampshade eye of Sauron also made its appearance alongside jumbled whispers and coke bottle volcanic eruptions.

The duo had great chemistry, cracking each other up during occasional slips and riffing off each other throughout. Their exaggerated accents and facial expressions were perfectly parodical. I particularly loved Ricou’s elongated pronunciations as Frodo and Emeny’s hammy Aragorn impression, but every character was marked by distinct personality swaps and matching props; a mop beard for Gandalf, identical puppets for Pippin and Merry, a yellow marigold adorned helmet and nerf gun for the Uruk-hai, Ghostface masks for the Nazgûl, and a bald cap with goggles for Gollum. The award for best costume had to go to Shelob as the spidery hat and silly foam webbing, paired with “incy wincy” chants made up one of the show’s most bizarre and side-splitting moments.  Some of the jokes are admittedly a little corny or long but there were so many well-played witty jokes that the momentary lulls felt negligible.

The pair did receive some assistance, picking on nervous yet enthusiastic audience members to complete the fellowship – their Boromir was particularly amusing during his infamous death scene. Their interactions with the audience were remarkably quick-witted, toying with latecomers and bouncing off their “volunteers”. Other audience participation included throwing squids, ravens and “tombola balls” on cue, humming the theme as Gandalf galloped down the aisle on his hobby horse, shouting, stomping, or even squirting water during one melodramatic “break-up”.

Parody of the Rings is an uproarious romp made by and catered to the fans. It’s been awhile since I’ve laughed so hard at a show but the constant surprises and witty mockeries made for one endear-ring theatrical piece.

You’d be a “fool of a Took” to not buy tickets!

Parody of the Rings tours the UK until June 19.