War of The Worlds

Harlequin Players Club were back on stage this week with their radio play version of ‘War of the Worlds’, adapted and directed by Sean Duvall. Sean’s adaptation kept true to H G Wells’ novel and the serialised format it was first presented as. Sean initially wanted to write a comedy version of the novel (which I would have loved to have seen!), but as H G Wells’ writing was strong, Sean adapted it faithfully. He wanted the audience to sit back, close their eyes and just listen. Sean clearly had a vision and this was realised. I did wonder whether Sean had considered using more tech during the production to really engage the audience. The actors were sat on stage throughout the performance and used their scripts throughout (some more than others). This definitely kept in keeping with the radio play idea, but I feel that being more familiar with the script would have benefitted the production more. The actors were well rehearsed with their movements and working with the technical aspects of the production.

The set was simple. Four microphones at the front of the stage, with six chairs behind for the actors to sit on. Perhaps live microphones could’ve been used instead of using prop ones?

Lighting was kept to a basic wash, in keeping with the radio play idea. Perhaps there could’ve been various lighting effects, especially during the Martian attacks, to engage the audience more with the piece. Maybe projections of the scenes across the back? Sound was a particular strength of the production, with good sound effects used throughout. I did wonder whether you explored the possibility of a live Foley artist to perform the sound effects, to further enhance the radio play element.

Tony Turner played the Narrator. Tony’s voice really suited this character, with excellent projection. I would have preferred Tony to have been more familiar with the script, so we could have seen his face more.

Martin Tomlinson played the Man, as well as a cameo character in act two. It was clear that Martin was familiar with the script and was able to develop his two characters because of this. He had excellent storytelling and displayed great accent work with his cameo in act two.

Doug Connor-Webb played a variety of characters, including Artilleyman, Ogilvy and the Narrator’s Brother. Doug has a good voice and projection was also good. It would have been nice to be able to differentiate the different characters that he played a little more.

John Booth played a variety of parts and brought them all to life with good use of voice and posture, creating a unique character for each role. He provided a great support to the story. Just be careful not to cover your face with your script.

Tina Wyatt and Lydia Clare played the female characters. Although there are not many female characters, Tina and Lydia really sunk their teeth into their parts and brought their scenes to life with excellent voice work, storytelling, movement and facial expressions.

I commend Harlequin Players Club for their choice of play and presenting the piece as a radio play, and wish them luck with their 2023 productions.

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