REVIEW: The War of The Worlds

Relevant, off-kilter, funny and incredibly effective. Isley
Lynn’s fresh take on The War of The Worlds
is a triumph. Drawing from H.G. Wells’ novel and Orson Welles
radio play, the story follows podcaster Meena as she sets out to
investigate the life of her recently departed neighbour Margaret
Kavakas. A talented cast brings the story of the Kavakas family
and the fateful day of Orson Welles’ show to life as secrets are
revealed bringing the “truth” into question.
The show has a kitschy 1950s feel with slightly off putting
undertones enhanced by Bethany Wells’ set and costume designs.
The mesh screens are the perfect backdrop for projections and
catch the lights, designed by Pete Maxey, brilliantly. The
glowing lights combine with Benjamin Grant’s sound design to
create an eerie Uncanny Valley feeling. The total combination of
the set, the lights, the sound and the projections is
mesmerizing.
As is expected from NYT, the actors proved to be a gifted bunch.
The four Orson Welles served as the stories narrators; while
each Orson was wonderful, Cathy Sole’s over-the-top confidence
and playfulness stood out to me. The ensemble pulled the show
together by portraying everything from modern day diner-goers,
reporters and radio actors, to horror struck believers of the
Orson Welles’ broadcast. The movement of the Orsons and the
Ensemble, under direction of the talented Matt Wells, was
particularly memorable.
Ruari Spooner gave the standout performance of the evening as
the jaded Jonathan. His impressively realistic portrayal of the
clickbait-pushing, aspiring journalist was equal parts amusing
and unnerving. Talitha Christina invited us into the Kavakas
family story as she played the inquisitive podcaster Meena. Ruby
Ward as Lawson and Tyler Kinghorn as Ted complimented each other
nicely throughout the show; each created a unique and complex
character. Alfie Wickham, though limited in stage time, was
memorably sweet as Nick.
It’s rare that a cast as young as this is able to pull off a
narrative as complex and socially relevant as this, yet that is
exactly what NYT has done. Lynn’s take on this classic tale
enlivens it and adds new meaning to The War of The Worlds.
Beyond the well known tale of aliens, this rendition brings
light that the warring worlds of reality and the ever-increasing
influence of false narratives and fake news. Calling into
question our understanding of truth, we’re left questioning our
reality. The War of The Worlds is a must see from the National
Youth Theatre.