Adapting a classic isn't an easy job when looking to maintain the original heart and commentary, and especially when creating a 5.1 Surround Sound experience. Alwyn Ash takes a look at an audio adaptation of the 1897 tale reflecting a war of two worlds, a horrifying story of invasion and survival...
The David and Goliath in classic literature.
Nothing had come close to reflecting the true terror and nightmarish experience of alien machines burning people and buildings, taking apart the very structure of Human society...
Over the years there have been many interpretations of H.G. Wells' vision of a Martian invasion of Earth including the BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation starring Blake Ritson and directed by Marc Beeby; and my favourite: Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds. Hollywood has also produced cinematic takes on the tale, though Byron Haskin's 1953 'The War of the Worlds' remains my absolute favourite. Who can forget Al Nozaki's manta ray Martian war machine design?
It is a fact, however, that nothing had come close to reflecting the true terror and nightmarish experience of alien machines burning people and buildings, taking apart the very structure of Human society and devastating the landscape. Even Holywood legend Steven Spielberg failed to deliver a worthy instalment, instead choosing to set his apocalyptic movie in twenty-first century America. Though grand in scale, and clearly visually effective in the killing and carnage inflicted by the aliens, it still lacked a true homage to H.G. Wells. There isn't much difference between Spielberg's War of the Worlds and any other modern-day invasion of Earth tale such as Independence Day (1996), in my opinion.
Sherwood manages to ingrain such subtlety into the composition that every sound benefits the experience
So, what can I say about The Coming of the Martians, a brand new audio drama from Sherwood Sound, other than mind-blowing? Well, this was a project crafted with love, as it says on the official website: "Our adaptation retains the dark horrific tone of the original story, the original time period and details of the martian invasion. It is the first time, in our opinion, that there has been a truly faithful, straight adaptation."
Having had a listen, I can say that it does indeed send a shiver as the Martian machines go on the rampage through England, burning everything in sight and gathering humans for their own horrific ends. It takes the original source material and touches it with pure audio magic, inserting a breathtaking sound design that not only compliments but becomes the story. You are literally right in the midst of it all, experiencing the tale as it was meant to be heard, an eye witness (in your mind's eye) of events that unfold. Another production company might have overlooked the simplest of additions, yet Sherwood manages to ingrain such subtlety into the composition that every sound benefits the experience without the listener always realising it is there; even after a third listen I'm finding new things to enjoy.
The cast is nothing short of amazing, headed by award-winning actor Colin Morgan (Merlin) as George. Other fine performances include Dan Starkey (Doctor Who) as Ogilvy, the astronomer; Nigel Lindsay (Rome, Victoria) as The Artilleryman; and Ronald Pickup (The Crown) as The Curate.
'The Coming of the Martians' does something to be applauded: it rejects unnecessary narration in favour of pure sound, avoiding the overwhelming loudness that some audio companies rely upon, adding engaging layers that give a quality very rare in audio drama. You can sense distance as a war machine calls out to fellow Martians, and feel the dread as it approaches and passes, its feet crashing down with no care as to what might lie below. Oh, that will be us, and George!
The company explains, "The aim with our productions is to provide realism and immersive drama... If you're going to adapt a story that has been done many times, why not create something truly special, something that's more faithful than anything that has ever gone before".
"There are people in the pit, they have brought people here"
The Martian call might be terrifying enough, but the scene that stands out is when George and The Curate are trapped, listening to people screaming. Though a short moment, one cannot help but feel revulsion and sadness at what we know is happening to those poor wretches. The building tension between the two men is splendidly realised, and George's revelation that those prisoners - men, women and children - are simply food for the Martians sends a chill.
Why 'The Coming of the Martians'?
The reason Sherwood had to change the name was simply due to copyright issues. As they stated on their Facebook page: "We've wanted to produce this for years but the rights for media derivatives of the 1897 story had been held by Jeff Wayne, who capitalised on it for 40 years and initially refused us a licence unless it was based on his musical. I think we deserve a fresh and faithful take on the story".
The title might have been altered but the company's intentions remained resolute. And its hard work has paid off thanks to the cast, production crew, and a script adapted from the original source material by Nick Scovell.
It's a haunting vision that encapsulates perfectly the scale of loss and horror
Director Lisa Bowerman has enjoyed a career on stage, in television and radio, and has played the character of Bernice Summerfield for Big Finish Productions since 1998. Her connection with Doctor Who goes all the way back to 1989 when she was cast as Karra in 'Survival' opposite the Seventh Doctor (Sylvester McCoy) and companion Ace (Sophie Aldred). For Big Finish, work has included supporting roles and directing. 'The Coming of the Martians' has greatly benefited from experience and is without doubt up there with her best work. It's a haunting vision that encapsulates perfectly the scale of loss and horror that is witnessed throughout, the howling monstrosity that stalks the landscape as every last bit of hope is snuffed out by a death ray.
This is an audio drama that has always been in safe hands.
Final thoughts
Beyond the original copyright problems and delays due to editing, The Coming of the Martians is first-rate and an outstanding accomplishment.
Tell me more about Sherwood Sound...
Martin Johnson has supplied audio editing, music, and sound design for various clients in the UK since 2007. He set up Everybodyelse Productions in 2013, developing its first in-house audio drama 'Osiris: Pilot', also directed by Lisa Bowerman. The company was re-branded as Sherwood Sound Studios in 2016.
You can read more about The Coming of the Martians at sherwoodsoundstudios.com.
Running time: 96 minutes
Director:Lisa Bowerman
Producer(s): Martin Johnson
Written by H. G. Wells
adapted by Nick Scovell
Release date: July 30, 2018
