TOLKIEN'S fantasy realm Middle Earth and the characters that populate it will be brought to life at the Alexandra Theatre next week.

A firm favourite with young and old alike, The Hobbit visits the Birmingham venue as part of its autumn UK tour.

The play has been seen by 500,000 people across the country and has also enjoyed two successful West End seasons.

More than 37 million copies of the novel have been sold worldwide and it has been translated into 26 languages.

The Hobbit, which is suitable for children over eight, runs from Tuesday until Saturday, November 9, with performances at 7.30pm and matinees at 1.30pm Wednesday and Thursday and 2.30pm on Saturday.

Tickets cost £8-£18 plus concessions from the ticket hotline on 0870 607 7544.