Theatre Review - War of the Worlds
Orson
Welles’ 1938 radio broadcast of HG Wells’ War
of the Worlds caused panic among certain audience members. News reporters repeatedly
interrupted what appeared to be a typical evening of music programmes, to deliver
eye-witness accounts of invading aliens. Some listeners had not realised that
it was a drama and believed Martians really had landed in New Jersey.
This is the starting point of Rhum and Clay’s multi-layered production. Aided by an ingenious sound design from Benjamin Grant and evocative lighting by Nick Flintoff and Pete Maxey, the four-strong ensemble imaginatively recreate Orsen Wells’ live broadcast.
Then the action shifts to the present day. Meena (Mona Goodwin) is recording a podcast about the repercussions of the radio play. She learns of an American family who briefly abandoned one of their daughters following the broadcast. She decides to try and track down any remaining relatives.
Meena visits the small town of Grover’s Mill, immortalised by Welles, and manages…
This is the starting point of Rhum and Clay’s multi-layered production. Aided by an ingenious sound design from Benjamin Grant and evocative lighting by Nick Flintoff and Pete Maxey, the four-strong ensemble imaginatively recreate Orsen Wells’ live broadcast.
Then the action shifts to the present day. Meena (Mona Goodwin) is recording a podcast about the repercussions of the radio play. She learns of an American family who briefly abandoned one of their daughters following the broadcast. She decides to try and track down any remaining relatives.
Meena visits the small town of Grover’s Mill, immortalised by Welles, and manages…