Reimagining a Classic Tale

Reviewed by Vicki Stokes

It’s been nearly 100 years since J.R.R. Tolkien began writing the children’s story The Hobbit, which became one of the best-selling books and has mostly stood the test of time. It has been reimagined in comics, graphic novels, movies and stage plays. The Stratford Festival’s reimagining, adapted by Kim Selody and including a diverse cast of nine, is a hit with today’s audience.

With an Asian Bilbo and Asian elements incorporated into the Avon Theatre – Stratford Festival production, it’s easy to see that The Hobbit will continue to evolve for the next 100 years. The challenges presented by mythological creatures will always have appeal to the young and the young at heart, despite changes and updates in storytelling.

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who lives in Middle-earth, a time and place where elves, hobbits, trolls and the like live among humans. Gandalf and a band of dwarves recruit Bilbo to be their burglar on a quest for their gold, taken by Smaug, a dragon who sleeps on the treasure in the Lonely Mountain.

Richard Lee is a fine Bilbo, letting us know he would rather stay at home with clean dishes and tidy, safe surroundings than go on a dangerous quest. Believe me, I would opt to stay home in beautiful Bag End rather than deal with goblins, spiders and dragons. But Lee shows us how Bilbo grows as a person through facing all the challenges presented to him. Once the treasure has been accessed and Bilbo finds the Arkenstone, he stands by his principles when leader Thorin becomes greedy. Lee takes Bilbo from meek and frightened to brave and respected. He earns his role as the burglar.

Tim Campbell plays Gandalf exactly as you would imagine an ancient wizard to be, like he has earned every single one of his years. If you wonder why the wise and powerful Gandalf comes and goes instead of staying with Bilbo and the dwarves, it’s partly because Campbell has other duties. His strong voice frightens in his role as Smaug the dragon.

The only actors to play a single role are Richard Lee (as Bilbo) and Aaron Krohn. Krohn skillfully plays Thorin Oakenshield, the rightful king of the dwarves. Sara-Jeanne Hosie is often present on stage as Old Took, singing and explaining, and at times, becomes Lord Eagle and Thrush.

The other actors cover dozens of roles, from a spider to the Elven King. They cleverly make you believe there are 12 dwarves plus goblins, elves, trolls, and Gollum, possessor of the precious ring.

The Hobbit is an episodic quest, so no matter how it is staged, there is much explanation of past and present events, and the characters must rush through each challenge. Fortunately, the set design is well thought out, seamlessly shifting and capturing our imaginations. No time is wasted waiting for such things as huge painted woodland or cave scenery to be wheeled around by stagehands. There are large rings for sliding and demonstrating Bilbo’s invisibility. Sloped walls for climbing shift back and forth, creating the illusion that characters are walking through mountains, forests and caves. The subtle sounds woven into the scenes are felt more than heard, and the lighting is effective, contributing more than elaborate set pieces ever could.

The costumes are a mixed bag. The hobbit feet are a hoot, the trolls are very tall and cleverly done, and the eagles are imaginative. Old Took has amusing slinky-like sleeves. In my and my companion’s opinion, the dwarf costumes seem too bulky for a long quest (though probably to help define their diminutive stature), and the goblin costumes seem like strange foam rubber suits. Gandalf, the Elves and Bilbo have more traditional costumes. Smaug immediately impresses the audience with his large glowing eyes, and the wine barrels make for one of the most amusing scenes in the show.

Whether or not you have read the books or seen the movies, you can easily follow the dangerous adventures of Bilbo, Gandalf, Thorin and the dwarves. If you are young at heart, you’ll enjoy this reimaging of The Hobbit. If elves and goblins aren’t your bag, it’s probably not for you.

The Hobbit continues until October 23rd in repertory at the Avon Theatre, Stratford. Tickets are available at the Stratford Festival at 1-800-567-1600, or check www.stratfordfestival.ca for availability.

Photo: Sara-Jeanne Hosie as Old Took, Michael Man as Elrond and Tim Campbell as Gandalf, The Hobbit. Stratford Festival 2026. Photo by David Hou.

The Hobbit
Adapted by Kim Selody from the book entitled “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien
Directed by Anita Nittoly
Movement Director Sara Topham
Performed by Richard Lee, Tim Campbell, Sara-Jeanne Hosie, Aaron Krohn, et al.
Produced by The Stratford Festival, Stratford, Ontario
Avon Theatre, Stratford
May 30 to October 23, 2026
Reviewed by Vicki Stokes