The Black Mirror-fication of a Beloved Classic
A modern dystopia collides with a historical event in the National Youth Theatre’s The War of the Worlds — an unlikely fusion of science fiction, fake news, and internet trolls. It certainly made for an intriguing Thursday evening.
Settled into the inviting seats of Wilton’s Music Hall, with a star-studded audience including the Duke of Edinburgh, patron of the National Youth Theatre, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. This production was an homage to Orson Welles’ infamous 1938 radio show, adapted from H.G. Wells’ novel. The novel’s alien invasion, set in Grovers Mill, New Jersey, was transformed into a radio broadcast that sent the U.S. into a frenzy of panic. Many listeners, tuning in halfway through, missed the introduction indicating it was pure fiction. The “breaking news” format led them to believe a real Martian invasion was underway. This adaptation deftly brings those same themes of misinformation, hysteria, and deception into a modern context, and the result was both chilling and timely.
Let’s start with the cast—an electric ensemble that fizzled with energy throughout the two-hour performance. Their passion was palpable, creating a dynamic blend of acrobatic vocal delivery and physical comedy. Standout performances came from Ruari Spooner as Jonathan, the hapless Gen-Z son who spreads misinformation for “clicks” and cash, and Cathy Sole, one of four actors playing Orson Welles, who provided a memorable narration. Alfie Wickham’s portrayal of Nick, with his genuine and heartfelt performance, evoked a young Domhnall Gleeson—definitely an actor to watch. The decision to split Orson Welles’ character into four parts, while inventive, felt slightly overdone. Two actors might have had the same effect without the slight distraction of multiplying Welles across the venue.
That said, the overall acting was magnificent, with a diverse cast making the absolute most of the text. They showed exactly why the NYT is such a vital incubator for the future of British theatre.
The set design was transformative, turning a modest stage into a shifting array of time periods and emotional landscapes. The magic created by a fog machine, vibrant lighting, and a powerful sound system transported the audience seamlessly through history and across moods. The use of space was nothing short of masterful, leaving little room for critique on the technical aspects of the production.
Where the play stumbled was in its attempt to merge the 1938 American setting with the contemporary British landscape of 2016. Though each period was fresh and engaging on its own, the rapid shifts between the two felt somewhat jarring, creating a slight disconnect that occasionally detracted from the acting and storyline.
However, any missteps in transitions were easily forgiven by the provocative and alarming finale. As the play shifted back to the present, the audience was confronted with a sobering truth: no one is immune to the dangers of fake news. The panic that gripped the U.S. in 1938 could easily be replicated today, as misinformation runs rampant and is accepted without question. In that moment, the production transcended its roots as a tribute to Welles’ radio show, offering instead a sharp commentary on the perils of our current media-saturated culture.
For fans of science fiction, Orson Welles, or those simply in search of excellent British theatre, The War of the Worlds at Wilton’s Music Hall delivers a performance that is both unsettling and unforgettable.
Playwright: Isley Lynn
Cast: Talitha Christina, Ruari Spooner, Tyler Kinghorn, Ruby Ward, Holly Masters, Alfie Wickham, Cathy Sole, Laura Masters, Emily Casey, and David Olaniregun
Duration: 2 hours including interval
Until: 26th October 2024