The Hobbit Dwarves: before and after

Peter Jackson's much anticipated 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey' will shortly be released in the UK. Martin Freeman stars as the plucky young Bilbo who sets off on an adventure with 13 oddly familiar Dwarves.

Featuring a host of acting talent, we take a look at the fellas underneath the Dwarf make-up.

Thorin — Richard Armitage

Former circus performer and 'Spooks' star, Richard Armitage, plays Thorin Oakenshield — the leader of the pack when it comes to the Dwarfs. "The real height of Thorin is five-foot-two," the English-born actor told Collider, "I think most five-foot-two people would be quite offended if they were to be called dwarves."

Dwalin — Graham McTavish

Previously best known for his role as Waden Ackerman in another height-related series, 'Red Dwarf', Glaswegian McTavish admits he feels honored by his casting. Speaking to theonering.net he said: "I think that I would be very lucky indeed if ever again in my career, I was offered an opportunity that was going to be so iconic in its influence and scale."

Balin — Ken Stott

Veteran of the odd TV crime-thriller (or five), Ken Stott will be using his detective skills as Balin, older brother of Dwalin and the Dwarves' vigilant look-out-man. Jackson said of Stott's casting: "Fran and I have long been fans of Ken's work and are excited he will be joining us on this journey."

Kili — Aiden Turner

'Being Human' star Aiden Turner plays Kili, one of the better looking of the company (as Dwarves go). Denying producers wanted to "de-handsomfiy him", Turner told Entertainment weekly he was giving a beard a chance: "We're just trying stuff out and seeing what it looks like," said the 29-year-old.

Fili — Dean O'Gorman

Former New Zealand soap star Dean O'Gorman joined 'The Hobbit' after 'Eastenders' actor Robert Kazinsky dropped out in April 2011. Described by Jackson as a "terrific Kiwi actor," 35-year-old O'Gorman will play Fili, the red headed brother of Kili - and apparently the Dwarf with the biggest nose.

Dori — Mark Hadlow

Frequent Jackson collaborator Mark Hadlow joins his director-of-choice as Dori, older brother of Nori and Ori. Hadlow recently met Prince Charles in full Dwarf-get-up as the Royal toured New Zealand's Weta studios.

Nori — Jed Brophy

Another favourite of Jackson's, 48-year-old Brophy had appeared in Braindead, Heavenly Creatures and all three LOTRs — mainly as orcs.

Ori — Adam Brown

Having had years of experience acting in TV ads and pantomime (and even 'Chucklevision'), 'The Hobbit' marks Adam Brown's first ever film appearance. Speaking about Brown's casting, Jackson said: "Adam is a wonderfully expressive actor and has a unique screen presence. I look forward to seeing him bring Ori to life."

Oin — John Callen

Speaking to theonering.net, London born Newzealander and stage actor John Allen said of his casting in 'The Hobbit': "I did wonder about my casting and how they had made the choice — maybe the long hair and the beard sold it."

Gloin — Peter Humbleton

Peter Humbleton will play Gloin, son of Groin and brother Oin, who has a more important relationship to note: he's also the Father of Gimli. And we all remember him. Can you spot the family resemblance?

Bifur — William Kircher

In a pack of warrior Dwarves, Bifur, played by Kiwi TV actor William Kircher, is by far the most distinct - he has the remains of a goblin axe lodged in his forehead, meaning he can only communicate via grunts.

Bofur — James Nesbitt

One of the more recognisable Dwarves, 'Cold Feet' and 'Murphy's Law' star James Nesbitt will play Bofur, a "funny, forthright and occasionally brave dwarf." Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, the 47-year-old said: "It's a big film — it is really the biggest ever made. I'll always be able to say I was a Dwarf in 'The Hobbit' and there's only 13 of us that will ever be able to say that."

Bombur — Stephen Hunter

Funnyman Stephen Hunter, who plays cuddly Dwarf Bombur, is best known in his native New Zealand for taking his shirt off in a Toyota ad. Talking to theonering.net about playing the comedy relief character, he said: "Bombur's not a small Dwarf — but I've never been a small man myself!"