Scene-stealers ignite frenzy in fevered city

Wellingtonians are in danger of overdosing on Lord of the Rings fever.

With the countdown closing in on Monday's premiere and stars of The Return of the King jetting into the city from round the world, the mere sight of three apparent characters from director Peter Jackson's film trilogy was enough to send crowds on Lambton Quay into a frenzy yesterday.

As they tripped over one another in the scramble to photograph or be photographed with Galadriel, the Lady of Lorien, and two walking-talking trees - or ents - from Fangorn Forest, it was not entirely clear whether people realised that the dead-ringers were actually ring-ins.

The JRR Tolkien-inspired trio were models, hired and outfitted by Wellington hairdressing company Si Salon for its entry in the city's Lord of the Rings shop window display competition.

Neisha Smith (Galadriel) was wearing a dress from The Costume Company, a clothing hire firm that is reaping the rewards of a decision to make up to 80 Rings costumes, ranging from hobbits to elves and ringwraiths as well as all the key characters.

The ents, Chris Washer and "Kitten", wore tree outfits made of foam and latex by Wellington company Body FX, which also made Galadriel's pointy elven ears.

More than 100 Wellington shops have entered the competition and the winner will be announced on Wednesday.

* It's a Lord of the Rings weekend at nzherald.co.nz. Join us throughout this weekend for updates from Wellington as the city prepares to host Monday's world premiere of Part 3 in the Rings trilogy: The Return of the King.

Herald Feature: Lord of the Rings

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