“No-one would have believed in the early years of the twentieth century that this world was being watched…”
But we did believe.
We believed that Martians landed in New Jersey. We believed a water tower was an alien war machine. We believed a man walked on the moon. We believe everything the internet tells us and now the end of the world is being broadcast live…
There is nothing more alluring than a good story. When Orson Welles adapted The War of the Worlds, he wanted to create a thrilling radio drama that would ‘feel’ real. In fact, it felt so real that it caused hysteria amongst a public just getting used to the outside world invading their living rooms via the radio. Fast forward to 2016, and the internet has replaced the radio as the medium through which we make sense of the world. We remain just as susceptible …
Inspired by H.G. Wells’ novel and Orson Welles’ classic radio play, this legendary science fiction thriller is playfully reimagined for our era of Fake News and ‘alternative facts’.
“a whirling multi-rolling ensemble… just juicy” WhatsOnStage
“deft and ingenious” The Guardian
“a smart, engagingly layered show” The Stage
“a dynamic and thought-provoking show, full of unexpected energy and intelligent stagecraft” Broadway World
Download The War of the Worlds cast and credits (including biographies) here.
Credits:
Originally Commissioned By New Diorama Theatre.
Co-produced by Brighton Festival, HOME Manchester
Supported using public funding by Arts Council England
Supported By China Plate, Corn Exchange Newbury, The New Wolsey Theatre and Redbridge Drama Centre.