Panic

Keep Calm and Carry On

Panic – A Live Radio Musical

by Stephen Dolginoff

Teddington Theatre Club, at the Coward Studio, Hampton Hill Theatre until 3^rd February

Review by Heather Moulson

The glamorous Evelyn mingles with the audience like a socialite at a cocktail party, as it draws them straight into the ambience of a pre-war recording studio, there to be charmed by men in smart suits and authentic American accents

The pace of the musical,Panic, skilfully directed by Wesley Henderson Roe, does not stop for breath as we witness a famous historical event, the more than convincing radio production of War of the Worlds that terrified America in 1938. 

Effective lighting and sound, designed respectively by Ed Pagett and Josh Bayfield, sets the atmosphere of the time.

Orson Wells, despite his acclaimed theatre skills, could not get Hollywood to beckon him.  Seeing through his egotism and vanity, we are nevertheless drawn to empathise with this iconic figure as he and his apprentice Howard sing of their frustrations.   

Stoo Gill portrays Howard Koch, the frustrated writer, as awestruck, hapless and ambitious.  As Orson Welles, Jacob Taylor cuts an imposing figure, charismatic and watchable.   Although Welles is played as unsympathetic, one cannot help be captured by his honest charm, not to mention his consummate talent.  Taylor reveals his vulnerabilities while keeping a commanding presence.  This is an actor to watch out for in the future. 

Aggie Holland as Evelyn is monumental.  Her depiction of Evelyn’s cut-glass ambition, her voice and casual elegance flows naturally, but without holding back her sense of comedy.  The rocky relationship with her co-star Orson is very convincing, particularly in the number Centre of Attention.  Their competitiveness is full of humour, yet with an underlying empathy. 

John Houseman, played by Jonathan Warriss-Simmons, is caught between the wayward Orson, and pressure from big man Bill Paley.  The collaborators work hard and manically, particularly on the effects and signs during Welles’ second notorious broadcast.   Warriss-Simmons puts his skills to good use as he represents Houseman, as a newly-minted upper-class Englishman, carrying this burden.   The role is slightly distracting, but nonetheless enjoyable. 

Nicola Luker, the musical director, has an ubiquitous presence in her tireless accompaniment on the keyboards in this high energy piece.  

Panic a powerful musical, a big musical in the small intimate space of the Coward Studio.  It is deservedly packing in the audiences; so if you want to “accidently” believe in a “real” invasion from Mars, then get panicking now! 

Heather Moulson, January 2024

Photography by Sarah J Carter