Andy Serkis is to give a continuous live reading of JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit online, to raise money for charity.

He plans to read the whole book with no breaks. It will begin at 10am BST on Friday 8th May.

Money raised from the expected 10-12-hour performance will be split between NHS Charities Together and Best Beginnings.

“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.”

Details of how to access the stream will be released on his Hobbitathon Covid-19 Go Fund Me Page.