He said he has received e-mails of support for the project from Scots stars including Dougray Scott and Billy Boyd.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Scotland | National theatre vision realised

Hobbits Merry and Pippin are given more chance to shine - especially Pippin (Billy Boyd), who has a more dramatic role than his jokey earlier persona, and braves darker scenes.

BBC: NEWS | Entertainment | A mighty end to Jackson's trilogy