30 Nov 2018
War of the Worlds to be reimagined as high-tech immersive experience for London
BY Tom Anstey
A new experience combining state-of-the-art technologies and immersive theatre is set to debut in London next year, with H. G. Wells' The War of the Worlds to be completely reimagined with the mixed reality show.
Based on composer Jeff Wayne's 1978 musical version of the science fiction novel, 'layered reality' company dotdotdot have partnered with the musician to reimagine his work, which is among the top 40 best selling albums of all time in the UK.
Using virtual reality, holograms and other new technologies, the experience is designed for audiences to feel as though they are living through The War of the Worlds, which was originally written in 1898 and is one of the earliest stories to detail a conflict between mankind and an extraterrestrial race.
Taking place inside a 22,000sq ft (2,000sq m) multi-level site at the Old London Metal Exchange, VR, haptic and multisensory elements will mean visitors will be able to smell things like grass and feel the earth shake as the first Martians land.
Both live and virtual actors will guide small groups as they walk, crawl and slide through different scenes, including Primrose Hill where the Martians meet their demise and the seafront, where the battle between the Martians and Thunder Child comes to its dramatic conclusion.
“By using technology in a way never been seen before, we're able to allow people to step within and feel part of the story, rather than simply observing from the outside," said Andrew McGuinness, founder and CEO of dotdotdot.
"The scale of the production, the music, next-generation technology and theatre will work together to immerse the audience in a way that will shock, surprise and delight, with guests experiencing the same emotions they would feel if they were actually living within the story."
The 90-minute experience concludes with a visit to a steampunk-themed bar, which will use digital technologies "to transform its surroundings".
"Taking my Musical Version of The War of The Worlds and turning it into a VR experience is groundbreaking," said Jeff Wayne. "I can’t wait to ‘live’ it myself."
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