The War of the Worlds at the Dominion Theatre London Review
The War of the Worlds
Dominion Theatre, London
8 February to 30 April 2016
Reviewed by Sharon Mongey
I had the pleasure to go to watch The War of the Worlds last night at the beautiful Dominion Theatre in the West End, Tottenham Court Road, London.
As we were going into London we decided the easiest way to travel to the theatre would be on the train, taking it to St Pancras and then the underground to Tottenham Court Station. This is the closest station to the theatre being only a one minute walk away. We did not stop to eat but noted as we walked towards the theatre that there was a pub “The Flying Horse”, a Burger King opposite and a Cafe Rouge right next door, so choice there if required. The Dominion itself was easy to see, the front was lit beautifully in red and blue.
We arrived before the doors opened so had time to take in grand foyer tastefully decorated in cream and burgundy. There was an old fashioned sweet barrow and a bar in the foyer, we did buy a drink and we were served swiftly. Friendly staff were on hand to direct us and were selling programmes. Toilets were clean with soap and moisturiser and there was no queue.
In anticipation we made our way into the theatre. We were seated in the stalls and noticed a chair lift on our way in which makes the theatre easily accessible and there was lots of leg room once seated.
The atmosphere was great, large stage, decorated with wheels and cogs and the interior staged with red lighting, humming machinery, unknown aliens and voices that were haunting sounded around us and added to the air of anticipation.
The War of the Worlds is about the aliens coming from Mars, the excitement to begin with turns to despair as Earth is taken over, the battles commence and so does the struggle to survive.
The Black Smoke Band and The ULLAdubULLA Strings led on stage by Jeff Wayne were phenomenal, a performance with lights, strobes, fire and visual effects created a great back drop for the characters. Daniel Bedingfield was ill so Simon Shorten played the part of The Artilleryman; he was amazing, giving a very strong performance. Liam Nelson, the narrator, was captivating even as a hologram, but the highlight of the show for me was the performance of Forever Autumn.
I enjoyed this show, it was a musical extravaganza, I would recommend this show, I would recommend this show to adults who enjoy good music.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £29 to £99 (booking fees may apply).
The War of the Worlds is at the Dominion Theatre in London until 30 April 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0845 200 79.
Dominion Theatre, 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7AQ | 0845 2007 982
