Review: WAR OF THE WORLDS, CAST Doncaster - Tour
Photo credit: Ed Waring
When you first think War of the Worlds, you probably think big lavish rock opera. This is not that. This is imitating the dog’s latest production in a series taking classic stories, usually horrors or thrillers, and creating a movie live on stage. They were using video cameras on stage before it was cool!
It should perhaps be stated that this was actually this reviewer’s first proper encounter with War of the Worlds so we can’t comment on how accurate it is to H.G. Wells’ original story. Here, our leading man wakes up in hospital seemingly having missed the destruction of London following an alien invasion. We follow his journey to get home and then on to safety, meeting the few remaining humans along the way.
Pete Brooks and Andrew Quick are the writers and directors of this version of War of the Worlds. They are excellent at telling us a lot with very few words. They keep us hooked, wanting to learn what has happened and what our leading man (and therefore us) has missed. Simon Wainwright’s projection and video design work is genuinely impressive. Most of the time, the production has been directed to look good on the central screen, bringing together feeds from numerous on stage cameras, but we often find ourselves not knowing whether to watch the actors on stage or on screen.
Abby Clarke’s simple set works for the purposes of creating the scenes on camera using Wainwright’s projected backdrops. Her costumes are fine, but it would be good to have more changes, or at least costume elements to add, as performers transition from role to role as most of them play numerous roles. James Hamilton’s composition and Hamilton and Rory Howson’s sound design help heighten the tension effectively.
The four-strong cast, assembled by Ellie Collyer-Bristow CDG, all do a fantastic job. Gareth Cassidy leads the cast tremendously. From the first moment, we are in the palm of hands, intrigued to learn who he really is. As the story progresses, we learn he’s perhaps a little unsavoury – perhaps the invasion has actually been caused by humans, himself included, or is a punishment for those who are intolerant of those who are different. Whilst initially we want to see him reunited with his wife and get to safety, he quickly becomes selfish. In comes Amy Dunn as his wife. Dunn gives a beautiful and heartfelt performance. She becomes who we root for very quickly.
Bonnie Baddoo and Morgan Bailey play a number of other slightly ethereal characters. They transition from role to role well, although sometimes it’s difficult to work out when our leading man is meeting someone new and when he is re-encountering someone who seems to know who he is and be following him. Baddoo, Bailey and Dunn all act as camera operators too, impressively remembering exactly where they must stand with which camera or props to make sure everything lines up properly on screen.
War of the Worlds is a gripping performance, innovatively blending the boundaries between theatre and cinema. It may be a little style over substance, whilst it does attempt to make some comments on the current state of intolerance towards the immigrant. Regardless, it is well worth a watch – imitating the dog continues to challenge what theatre can be and their boldness and innovation must be applauded.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Jacob Bush