Hopeful hobbits start auditions

Actors are needed to portray hobbits in the forthcoming musical

Would-be hobbits are gathering for open auditions for a musical version of the Lord of the Rings.

Potential applicants for the role should be under 5ft 7ins (170cm) and aged 16 to 35. Producers say hairy toes and feet are a "distinct advantage".

The £13m adaptation of JRR Tolkien's trilogy is moving from Toronto to London in 2007.

The auditions and show are being held at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane and actors must be able to sing two songs.

The musical, which opened in March, was first performed in Canada but closed three months early.

Construction will begin on a £1m stage at the Theatre Royal, including the installation of 17 hydraulic lifts.

The work will require the theatre to be closed for four months, while rehearsals will then run for 11 weeks.

The script is also expected to get an overhaul after some Canadian critics branded it "dull".

The show will have a cast of 50, which is believed to be the largest employed in any West End show in living memory, as well as around 90 musicians and crew.