One of the UK's most innovative theatre companies, imitating the dog, is set to unveil their most ambitious production yet: a contemporary and audacious retelling of H.G. Wells's iconic science fiction masterpiece, "War of the Worlds." Known for their groundbreaking fusion of live performance and digital technology, the company, celebrated for hits like Night of The Living Dead ™ - Remix and the UK Theatre Award-winning Dracula: The Untold Story, will open their latest creation at Cast Doncaster from February 5th-7th, 2026, before embarking on a UK and Switzerland tour until May 2026. Press performances are scheduled for Friday, February 6th, and Saturday, February 7th, in Doncaster.
Co-created by imitating the dog's artistic directors Andrew Quick, Simon Wainwright, and Pete Brooks, this new "War of the Worlds" promises to push the boundaries of theatrical storytelling. The narrative unfolds as four performers construct an epic road movie live on stage, immersing audiences in a terrifying vision of alien invasion and societal collapse. The play poses chilling questions: "What would you do if order broke down? What would you do to survive? How far would you go to protect your own?"
The production will utilize imitating the dog's signature blend of miniature environments, model worlds, camera tricks, and projection to create a thrilling, live cinematic experience. Quick elaborates on their innovative approach: "We are testing our technological and storytelling skills to the limit but producing some amazing sequences that do justice to the novel, but which also connect to contemporary concerns." He highlights the use of live green screen acting combined with miniature model worlds, where audiences will witness performers being filmed and then projected into meticulously crafted cityscapes, creating a seamless blend of the real and the imagined.
"Of all productions across 27 years of theatre making, this is the most ambitious and technologically challenging work that we have made," Quick adds, underscoring the company's commitment to delivering an extraordinary and compelling experience. Following critically acclaimed adaptations of Heart of Darkness, Dracula, Macbeth, and Frankenstein, "War of the Worlds" is poised to solidify imitating the dog's reputation as a leading force in contemporary theatre.
TOUR DATES 2026:
All dates on sale unless stated
5-7 February - Cast, Doncaster
18-21 February - The Dukes, Lancaster
25-28 February - Lowry, Salford Quays
4-7 March - Liverpool Playhouse – On sale soon
11-14 March – New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich – On sale soon
18-21 March – Belgrade Theatre, Coventry – On sale this soon
15-18 April – Theatr Clwyd, Mold – On sale soon
22-25 April – Blackpool Grand Theatre
Dates TBC – Leeds Playhouse – On sale soon
