6th International Monodrama Festival THESPIS
07.-14.11.2008 Kiel GERMANY

 

Sunday, 09.11. | 18:00 | Pumpe

JEFF WAYNE'S MUSICAL VERSION OF THE WAR OF THE WORLDS [Great Britain]
written by Jeff Wayne, based on the novel by H.G. Wells
performed by Pip Utton

It is one of the greatest science fiction novels ever written: H.G. Wells´ classic “War of the Worlds” (1898) about the bloodthirsty Martians’ attack on planet Earth. In 1938 Orson Welles turned it into an oppressing radio play. It was filmed twice (in 1953 and 2005), and in 1979 Jeff Wayne chose it as the theme for his now legendary, bombastic double concept album “Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds”, sung by Justin Hayward, Chris Thompson and other rock icons, and narrated by Richard Burton. Almost 30 years later, Pip Utton (for the third time at THESPIS; his previous prize-winning performances were “Adolf” and “Bacon”), has convinced Jeff Wayne to turn his rock classic into a one-man show. Its premiere was at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Without any technical stage tricks, with almost no decoration, supported by an impressive, mood-evoking light design, Utton narrates, sings and performs the adventurous story to Wayne’s original music.

Produced by Pip Utton Theatre Co.


language: English | length: 60 minutes | German premiere | not in contest