Ian and Martin (Stuart Robb and Chris Chilton) are the co-founders of the Edgbaston Tolkein Society.
We, the gathered audience, are the 'travellers' come to hear their lecture. Over the course of an hour, we shall rub our snouts in the greatest book of the 20th century as voted for by the British public; not to mention the private lives of Ian and Martin, which owe more to Trisha than Tolkein.
On this showing, these boys have a Fringe hit on their hands. You want pathos? Well, Ian's been compiling beginners tapes for Elvish, only a short smidgen of which we're allowed to hear during the evening. And that's after being subjected to what can only be called follow-the-leader bully-boy tactics on the part of Martin, whose magic wand has been places no true warrior or friend would ever allow themselves to go.
Irreverent, strangely moving, and with at least one good fart gag, Lords Of The Ring is an irresistible hoot from start to finish. While they may not be pushing the comedy envelope, they give the stamp a right good licking. It sticks in the mind long after Tom Bombadil(do), as their song has it, has left the building.
Until Aug 26, Gilded Balloon Cowgate, 233 Cowgate, 5pm, £7.50, Fri to Sun £8.50 (£6.50 and £7.50 concs).
