list.co.uk/theatre THEATRE
Children’s tickets half price
MUSICAL WAR OF THE WORLDS SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Sat 29 Nov
For many years, Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds was merely one of the most ambitious albums that emerged from the already expansive 1970s progressive rock scene. Drawing musical comparisons with Pink Floyd for its use of technology and enthusiasm for complex arrangements, it managed to retell HG Wells’ epic science-fiction classic in a manner that evoked both tradition – with Richard Burton providing the voice of ‘the journalist’ – and the era’s contemporary music. However, given Wayne’s background, it was inevitable that the album
would become a performance, and so the arena tours began in 2006. ‘I grew up around my mother’s career as a singer and actor,’ Wayne explains. ‘My father was in Broadway productions and he came over to the West End in London.’ Indeed, before War of the Worlds broke in 1978, Wayne had worked on theatre productions. The success of the tours introduced his musical to new audiences, and led to a re-recording in 2012 with new performers, including Gary Barlow and Liam Neeson who replaced Burton. Wells’ plot is ideal for adaptation: brooding and pessimistic, Wayne
recognises how this vision of a world torn apart by violence has, sadly, remained topical since its publication. The combination of late Victorian aesthetics and extra-terrestrial technology has made it a source for steam-punk fashion and art, and Wayne comments that ‘HG’s story has a visionary appeal’. This vision has encouraged him to adapt the show for this tour in which HG Wells now appears.
Although discreet about his musical’s future, Wayne is adamant that ‘this is the final arena tour in the UK because we have another challenge and a new life for my musical version.’ (Gareth K Vile)
The Elf By Herself Sat 29 Nov–Wed 31 Dec. See Kids listings. ■ VARIOUS VENUES: GLASGOW Glasgay! Thu 13–Sat 15 Nov, times vary. Prices vary. Celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, the massive celebration of queer culture boasts an impressive programme of theatre, comedy, music, clubs and visual art events.
■ WILD CABARET & WICKED LOUNGE 18 Candleriggs, 552 6165. The Big Show Fridays & Saturdays 14 Nov–Sat 6 Dec, 8pm. Free to all dining guests. An evening of cabaret.
EDINBURGH ■ ADAM HOUSE 3 Chambers Street, 651 2120. Festen Wed 26–Sat 29 Nov, 7.30pm. £tbc. A disturbing exploration of middle class respectability set during a man’s
60th birthday party. ■ CAV 3 West Tollcross, 228 3252. The Dreamboys Saturdays 15 Nov–6 Dec, 6.30pm. £25. The ultimate ladies night featuring some of the best looking boys in an all-male glamour extravaganza.
■ CHURCH HILL THEATRE 33a Morningside Road, 447 7597. Men Should Weep Wed 19–Sat 22 Nov, 7.30pm. £tbc. Ena Lamont Stewart’s 1947 play, set in the East End of Glasgow during the depression of the 1930s. ■ THE EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE 18–22 Greenside Place, 0844 871 3014. The Dreamboys Fri 14 Nov, 7.30pm. £23.50. See Cav, Edinburgh. Wicked Wed 19 Nov–Wed 10 Dec (not Sun), 7.30pm (Wed & Sat 2.30pm also). Smash-hit musical that acts as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, with L Frank Baum’s characters brilliantly re-imagined as two young girls who grow up to fulfil
by Roald Dahl adapted by David Wood 28 November 2014 - 3 January 2015 Tickets: 0131 248 4848 lyceum.org.uk
Royal Lyceum Theatre is a Registered Company No. SC062065 Scottish Charity Registered No. SC010509 13 Nov–11 Dec 2014 THE LIST 93