The $10 million stage production of The Hobbit has been cancelled after just 10 shows. Poor reviews and ticket sales have forced the show's Auckland season to be cancelled just five days before its scheduled opening night. The show was a joint venture between New Zealand and Australia producers operating under the name Hobbit Productions. Promoters spared no expense flying journalists from Australia and Auckland to Wellington for the opening night performance. [More]

Ataahua adds: Let me just say that I’m really surprised about this. About 10 members of TORN’s discussion boards saw the last show of the Wellington season on April 23 and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. It has a very strong cast - particularly the actors who played Bilbo, Thorin Oakenshield, Gandalf and the narrator – and the character of Gollum was note-perfect. It’s a great pity that the season has been cancelled and no others will get a chance to see this story on stage.