Interview with Rarmian Newton: star of ‘The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale’

By creammagazine, March 31, 2025

It didn’t need to be done, really: adapting J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings into a stage musical. But even those hard-to-please, avid fans of the classic book series (and followers of the film franchise) are saying that they very much like what producers have done with the mystical-magical story for the musical stage.

Kudos to those producers, too, because condensing Tolkien’s epic tale into a three-hour musical takes some doing, but the main plot points are there as Frodo Baggins and three fellow Hobbits set out on a dangerous-adventurous journey to destroy the all-powerful One Ring and save their beloved Middle-earth.

Part major musical, part intimate singalong, and all vibrant and entertaining, The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale is certainly a production to tick of the must-see list. Be sure you catch the production before it leaves Perth stages this weekend.

Cream catches up with performer Rarmian Newton, who plays central character, Frodo, to discuss musical theatre.

Interview by Antonino Tati

 

“I didn’t really have the patience to pick up those heavy books as a kid, though I have plenty of Tolkien fans to get my info from.”

 

Hi Rarmian. Congratulations on a starring role in The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale. Would you say it is one of the highlights of your career so far?

It is definitely a highlight to play a role as iconic as Frodo in Lord of the Rings. As an actor, it is a dream to be a part of a story [that] has impacted so many lives in a positive way. Tolkien has given us so much. 

 

What did you feel the first time you saw the film version of The Lord of the Rings?

I was very young when I watched Lord of the Rings for the first time. And I watched it many times, so you could say my 12-year-old self thoroughly enjoyed it. I used to make bows and arrows out of sticks and rubber bands and pretend to be Legolas.

 

Had you read the books and if so, what do you think is different between LOTR – the books, the films, and now the production you star in?

I’m halfway through reading The Fellowship of the Ring. I didn’t really have the patience to pick up those heavy books as a kid, though I have plenty of Tolkien fans to get my info from. According to some of the more informed Tolkien fans in the cast, our show is a lot closer to the story in the books. For instance, we include the whole ending with Saruman and the Shire. I won’t include spoilers, but the Tolkien fans will know what I mean… I think the full ending is very important. Regardless of what threatens your home, the Shire is what you make it. 

 

 

What is it about The Lord of the Rings that appeals to audiences, generation after generation?

I think what appeals to audiences most is the inherent goodness that is always present in this increasingly chaotic world. Sometimes when we read the news, we can be led to believe the world is full of monsters, and that might be true, but Tolkien’s hopeful message shines a light on the good stuff. Even in the harshest of places there is love all around us.

 

Your character, Frodo Baggins, is quite central to the storyline, almost consistently appearing on stage and usually playful and dramatic in your role requirement. Does it get exhausting performing like this for three hours a night?

You would think so. But inspiration cuts through weariness. Energy is a fascinating thing. If you are doing a story this important, you have all the energy of Tolkien behind you. Somehow it becomes easy. 

 

 

Did you study a lot of Elijah Wood’s portrayal of Frodo in the LOTR movies and did you like his version of Frodo?

I personally don’t tend to study another actor’s work for the same role. Although Elijah’s work is brilliant, I think when you read a character in the script, it’s what that character means to you. And that is where you’ll find the most authentic Frodo in yourself. 

 

What are your two favourite numbers to perform in the production?

The two scenes couldn’t be more opposite! I would say Now and For Always, which is when Sam and Frodo share a beautiful moment of connection in the struggle on the way to Mordor. They sing a nostalgic song about the simple comforts and the friends they miss back at the Shire. And the second would have to be Cracks of Doom, when Frodo is holding the ring over the fire in Mount Doom, completely possessed by its dark powers.

 

 

On the subject of music, you played Gary Beers of INXS in the television miniseries ‘Never Tear Us Apart’. Are you a fan of classic Australian rock’n’roll?

It was pretty cool to play another iconic role, even if it was just a couple of flashback scenes. I have to say I do occasionally blast INXS, AC/DC, Jet or Silverchair in the car. 

 

I notice you were also the lead in a touring musical of ‘Billy Elliot’. Were you always interested in performing as a kid growing up?

I’ve been performing since I was seven and working since I was 10. It’s pretty much all I’ve known, and I can’t complain; it’s a great job. Apparently, I watched people performing on TV when I was five and said then and there that I wanted to try it.

 

Who are dream actors you would like to work with in a movie?

Oh geez, that’s a hard one. There are so many. But if I had to choose I would say maybe Cate Blanchett and Denzel Washington. Both are masters of the stage and screen, and each with an immense body of brilliant work. There would be so much to learn. Though I’ve also been very inspired by individual performances like Forest Whitaker in The Last King of Scotland, Charlize Theron in Monster, Benedict Cumberbatch in The Imitation Game… There’s just too many to count!  

 

‘The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale’ is on at Crown Theatre in Perth until April 6, 2025. Tickets are available through crownperth.com.au.