The Lord of the Rings began previews in London May 9, 2007, and officially opened June 19 following an earlier run in Toronto the year before. During its London run, Lord of the Rings has played to over 446,000 people. According to a press statement issued at the time the closure was first announced, discussions are now underway for the production to reopen in Germany in November 2009, and a touring version is also being developed to launch in New Zealand in 2009 before being presented in cities across Australia and the Far East.

Producer Kevin Wallace stated, "The show's creative team has proven just how enchanting, exhilarating and powerfully entertaining The Lord of the Rings can be live on stage. We will continue to bring this incredible theatrical event to audiences in London until 19 July, and we look forward to presenting the show to new audiences abroad from 2009."

Lord of the Rings will be followed into the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane by Cameron Mackintosh's revival of Oliver!, which is scheduled to begin performances Dec. 12, prior to an official opening Jan. 14, 2009.

For tickets for the final performances of The Lord of the Rings, call the box office at 0844 412 4660 or visit www.lotr.com.