Stage adaptation of The Hobbit to premiere in Wellington

A fresh hunt is under way in New Zealand for hobbits, dwarves, trolls and elves as auditions begin for the stage adaptation of The Hobbit, based on the book by JRR Tolkien.

The world premiere of the stage show will be held on April 16 at Wellington's Westpac St James Theatre, Hobbit Productions announced yesterday.

The show will also play for a limited season at Auckland's Civic Theatre from the end of April.

Auditions begin this week for the roles of Gandalf, Bilbo Baggins, Thorin and Balin and a cast of dwarves, trolls, elves, goblins and wargs.

Auditions will be held in Auckland on Wednesday and Thursday at the Aotea Centre and in Wellington on Friday at Westpac St James Theatre.

The stage adaptation is produced under license from the Saul Zaentz Company and is a co-production of Australian and New Zealand producers.

The production is slated for an 18-month tour of New Zealand and Australian cities.

Written and directed by Christine Anketell, the production brings to life JRR Tolkien's masterpiece, which is the prelude to the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

- NZPA