Presented by Lamphouse Theatre

Review by Hunter King

Upstairs at Pleasance Courtyard

Lamphouse Theatre has returned to Pleasance this Fringe with War of the Worlds (On a Budget). After a few year hiatus, Tom Fox and Becky Owen-Fisher, the artistic directors of Lamphouse Theatre have revived their adaptation of H. G. Wells’ classic novel.

In an hour of chaos, confusion, and musical fantasia, Fox and Owen-Fisher bring their own spin on the classic sci-fi story, packing it full of physical comedy, meta references, and audience participation. Fox acts as the “solo” showman, leading the story along and often putting himself on the line to be the butt of the jokes for the audience. He brings a tone from the beginning that tells the audience, “it’s ok to laugh at me, I know this is ridiculous too.” In this way, despite some of the jokes being the audience throwing things literally at his face, it never feels as if the audience are punching down. Fox brings a level of ridiculousness that keeps the show entertaining and exciting, acting not only as an impressive actor and singer, but also as a distinctly impressive clown/ physical comedian.

Owen-Fisher sits through the show at the tech desk, occasionally providing a one-liner or some expert technical advice. Beyond this she also wrote the script, made the props, acted as the technician, and far more. It is clear where Fox thrives as the showman, the brains and organization to the operation fall squarely on Owen-Fisher’s hands, and in her hands they are safe. Providing a topical and fast paced script that has laughs that zoom past so quickly some are easy to miss, Owen-Fisher shows a brilliance in innovation that the Fringe desperately craves. In this way, the show is also immensely rewatchable.

Lamphouse Theatre may be on a budget, but the spectacle that they bring to the Fringe every year leaves a lasting impact, as does the gut-busting laughter that they so seemingly effortlessly induce. 

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