EDINBURGH 2019: Review: THE WAR OF THE WORLDS, Pleasance Courtyard

Inspired by the famous Orson Welles radio production of the classic novel depicting Martian tripods invading Earth, this production from physical theatre company Rhum and Clay takes a wider scope than simply retelling the seminal sci-fi story.

The War of the Worlds switches from often amusing scenes recreating the recording in a radio studio, to a contemporary podcast journalist investigating a deceased neighbour's life-changing experience of the hysteria caused by Welles's dramatisation.

The piece draws neat, often humbling, parallels between the convincing use of a news format for the radio production and the impact of fake news in our modern era.

It shows the power radio had over the public in its heyday, but suggests that while technology may have progressed since then, as a society, we may not have come as far as we think.

An incredibly slick production, the four-strong acting ensemble slip between a multitude of roles with consummate ease, supported by a well-executed design.

Lighting by Nick Flintoff and Pete Maxey is exceptional throughout, but particularly when evoking the appearance of the Martian invaders, supported ably by Ben Grant's sound design.

Effects are operated from a radio control booth that forms part of the set, an ever-present reminder of the human element that controls the stories that we consume each day.

Engaging, witty and thought-provoking, with plenty of theatrical chops to back up Isley Lynn's timely script, this is a highly effective piece of theatre.