Andy Serkis has announced that he will read The Hobbit in its entirety in a 12-hour live stream as part of the coronavirus relief effort.
The stream, which will begin at 10am tomorrow, will benefit the NHS Charities Together and Best Beginnings.
Serkis memorably played Gollum in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and prequel The Hobbit, also sharing directing duties on the latter.
Announcing the live read, Serkis explained: "So many of us are struggling in isolation during the lockdown. While times are tough, I want to take you on one of the greatest fantasy adventures ever written, a 12-hour armchair marathon across Middle Earth whilst raising money for two amazing charities which are doing extraordinary work right now to help those most in need.
"From an unexpected party to the last stage, join Bilbo and me on this tale of high adventure. Together we'll face the might of the trolls, journey to the magical Rivendell, encounter the giant spiders in the labyrinths of Mirkwood, and the evil goblins living among the roots of the Misty Mountains, until we meet the dragon Smaug, and see the Battle of the Five Armies."
Serkis's fundraiser has already reached almost £30,000 within the first eight hours of going live.
Neil Wilkes
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