Cast, Doncaster – until Saturday 7th February 2026
Reviewed by Claire Moore
4****
Making its touring debut in Doncaster, imitating the dog reimagine The War of the Worlds in a way that feels as much like cinema as it does theatre. It tells the well known apocalyptic story of alien invasion and the breakdown of everyday life — cities left in ruins, people fleeing in panic, and the sense that everything we take for granted can disappear very quickly. Using miniature environments, model props, live and pre-recorded camera footage and projection, the story unfolds in layers. You’re watching the performance and the making of it at the same time, which is fascinating and slightly unsettling in equal measure.
The stage design by Abby Clarke is deceptively simple, with two walls of projected imagery and a central screen that drops down to show live video. What’s really gripping is the constant pull between watching the finished film on screen and the action happening below it — cameras moving, models being adjusted, scenes created right in front of you. You often find yourself not quite sure where to look, but in a good way.
Performed by just four actors, it’s genuinely impressive how smoothly three of them manage the cameras and miniature props throughout. With so much happening at once, it’s remarkable how well it holds together. There were the odd tiny misalignments but given the complexity of what’s being created live on stage, and it just starting out, that feels almost inevitable. The level of planning and behind-the-scenes work involved is clear, and hugely impressive.
At the heart of it all is Gareth Cassidy, whose performance anchors the entire piece. His camera presence is completely absorbing — small facial expressions and subtle shifts do a lot of the storytelling, making it feel intimate and believable.
Amy Dunn is excellent as his wife, delivering a performance that’s both tender and grounded, there’s a real warmth to her presence. Bonnie Baddoo and Morgan Bailey play multiple characters, deliberately uncomfortable to watch, and commit fully to each one
Written and directed by Pete Brooks and Andrew Quick, this version of The War of the Worlds says a lot with very few words. The storytelling is visual and atmospheric, thanks to Simon Wainwright’s video and projection design.
imitating the dog have built a reputation for retelling well-known stories through video-led, semi-cinematic performances, and this production shows exactly why. It’s bold, different, and asks you to watch theatre in a completely new way — but once you settle into it, it’s a really absorbing experience.
Definitely worth a watch… just maybe have some upbeat tunes lined up for the journey home to lighten the mood.