'Lord of the Rings' musical in London

LONDON, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- The $24 million "Lord of the Rings" musical -- described as "dull" by Toronto critics -- is moving to London's Theatre Royal in 2007.

Auditions are under way for the cast of 50 at the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane, the BBC reported Monday.

Hobbit hopefuls must be shorter than 5 foot 7 inches and between the ages of 16-35. Hairy toes and feet are a "distinct advantage" the producers said.

Construction, including the installation of 17 hydraulic lifts, will have the Theatre Royal closed for four months, after which rehearsals for the show will run for 11 weeks.

The "dull" script is expected to undergo an overhaul, the BBC said.