War of the Worlds tour to start in 2026

War of the Worlds, a new stage adaptation of HG Wells’s novel, will premiere at Cast in Doncaster from 5 to 7 February 2026.

The production has been developed by the much-loved company imitating the dog and will tour the UK and Switzerland through to early May.

The adaptation is created by co-artistic directors Andrew Quick, Simon Wainwright and Pete Brooks. Four performers will construct the story on stage using a combination of live acting, miniature models and camera projection to blend filmed and real-time performance. The production explores themes of crisis, survival and social collapse in the context of an alien invasion, using visual effects and layered staging.

Set and costume design is by Abby Clarke, with projection and video by Wainwright, lighting by Andrew Crofts and music by James Hamilton. Casting is yet to be announced.

After its opening in Doncaster, the show will visit The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster (18 to 21 February), The Lowry, Salford (25 to 28 February), Liverpool Playhouse (4 to 7 March), New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich (11 to 14 March), Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (18 to 21 March), Theatr Clwyd, Mold (15 to 18 April) and Blackpool Grand Theatre (22 to 25 April). A Swiss tour will follow later in April.