Review: THE WAR OF THE WORLDS, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham

Sci-fi epic The War of the Worlds has received a number of adaptations over the years, and now, in time for its 120th anniversary, Midlands-based company Tin Robot Theatre have given the masterpiece a modern twist. It's an immersive and sensory experience, bringing the classic into today's world.

The already intimate venue is made increasingly claustrophobic by an exceedingly small playing space, surrounded by seating on all sides. A set of wireless headphones are laid out for each audience member on arrival, providing an accompanying soundscape throughout the performance.

Directed by Adam Carver as a one-man show, the headphones are an excellent enveloping tool for the audience and sets it apart from previous versions. It's an incredibly creative and inspired idea, but proves slightly one-dimensional across 75 minutes.

The lighting is entirely controlled by the actor using a number of high-powered desk lamps - simple but effective. Touwa Craig-Dunn plays Pearson, the pharmacist confined to his parents' basement and who initially could be the last survivor of the alien invasion. Craig-Dunn does an outstanding job of keeping up a sense of heightened tension for the duration. From the strain apparent across his upper back to the twitch of his temple, he sustains the momentum in the most exposing of settings.

Because the stakes are so high from the outset, there is nowhere for the action to go but across. Although a short show, the audience investment sadly wanes as it progresses. Rather than building to a climax, the action ends on the same level.

That said, Tin Robot always take risks and push the boundaries, and must be commended. Inventive and original, if not fully realised.

The War of the Worlds plays at the Old Joint Stock in Birmingham until 31 October.

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