War of the Worlds – Liverpool Playhouse

At Liverpool Playhouse, War of the Worlds is not presented as a conventional science-fiction spectacle. Instead, the innovative theatre company imitating the Dog transforms The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells into a striking exploration of storytelling itself. The result is a production that feels urgent, intelligent and technically daring.

From the outset, the audience is made aware that they are watching a story being constructed. The stage resembles a film studio as much as a theatrical set: cameras are visible, miniature buildings sit on tables, and projected backdrops loom across large screens. Rather than hiding the mechanics, the company places them centre stage. This transparency becomes one of the production’s greatest strengths. As scenes of invasion and destruction unfold, we witness both the drama and the craft behind it, creating a layered experience that keeps viewers constantly engaged.

The cast of Bonnie Baddoo, Morgan Bailey, Gareth Cassidy and Amy Dunn deliver an impressive balancing act. They shift between characters while simultaneously operating cameras, adjusting props and controlling technical elements. This multitasking adds a palpable sense of tension. There is always the possibility that something could go wrong, which heightens the feeling of immediacy. Their performances are grounded and sincere, ensuring that the human core of the story is not lost amid the technical wizardry. Moments of fear, disbelief and desperation feel authentic, particularly as society begins to fracture under the threat of alien attack.

Co-artistic directors Andrew Quick, Simon Wainwright and Pete Brooks make this production inventive rather than extravagant. Small-scale models become vast, devastated landscapes through clever projection and lighting. A toy house, when filmed up close, appears hauntingly real. Smoke, shadow and sound design combine to suggest chaos without overwhelming the space. Instead of attempting cinematic realism, the show embraces theatrical illusion. This choice gives the audience room to imagine, making the destruction feel strangely personal and immediate.

What makes this adaptation particularly compelling is its contemporary resonance. Wells’s story has always reflected anxieties about invasion and vulnerability, but here the focus subtly shifts toward how events are mediated and interpreted. The use of live video feeds and fragmented perspectives mirrors the modern experience of receiving breaking news through screens. We are reminded that what we see is shaped by framing and technology — a theme that feels especially relevant in today’s media-saturated world.

The production does demand concentration. With multiple visual layers unfolding simultaneously, it can occasionally feel dense. However, this complexity reinforces the chaos at the heart of the narrative. The confusion experienced by the characters becomes something the audience shares, deepening empathy and emotional impact.

Overall, War of the Worlds at Liverpool Playhouse demonstrates the creative ambition of imitating the Dog. By merging theatre and live filmmaking, they reimagine a classic novel in a way that feels bold and thought-provoking. It is not simply a retelling of a familiar story, but a reinvention that challenges how we experience narratives on stage. Good theatre challenges its audience and this production certainly challenges. Well worth seeing.

Reviewer: Kevin Eccleston

Reviewed: 4^th March 2026

North West End UK Rating: