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It’s been a War of the Worlds few weeks, as not only have I listened to the audio book “performed†by David Tennant, my latest dog walk accompaniment it Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds rock opera, starring future RHLSTP guest (unless he can’t do it and Nish Kumar turns up instead) Michael Sheen.
It’s probably a bit too much War of the Worlds if I am honest, but the Jeff Wayne version has enough differences in it to keep it interesting and with the book so fresh in my mind it’s actually mildly fascinating to see what bits Wayne has kept in (like me he clearly appreciated the bit about learning to ride a bike) and which elements he has altered or added. I hadn’t remembered how much of the album is acted out (but maybe this version is different than the original) and as good as it is, it’s also slightly camp, with all the whistling kettles and bicycle bells and chairs scraping against the floor. It both draws you in to the reality and also pulls you out as you picture the sound effect person desperately trying to illustrate every action.
But it’s a terrifically exciting story and now we’re forty years from the original album you get this weird time shift of a Victorian story brought to life with 1970s synthesisers and I hope that in 2070 someone will do their version of Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds to add another layer to the anachronisms.
It’s both brilliant and slightly naff and somehow that just makes the whole experience more wonderful. It also keeps making me remember the amazing Galactic Nightmare which I’ve written of before (google it) and what it would be like if Michael Sheen was playing the lead.
The thing is the line between War of the Worlds and Galactic Nightmare is a thin one (in some ways).
Both are excellent though.
Been busy trying to book guests for the June RHLSTPs (which seemed like weeks away, but the next one is June 10th and I still have a guest to find!) and had some success today. Joining Michael Sheen on 17th June at King’s Place will be Love Island’s Ed Gamble.
Not many tickets left so book now
Badgers and Dripsters also know about the 90% confirmed guests for the Warwick Arts Centre. I will let you know when it’s confirmed, but looking forward to it already.
