The War of the Worlds

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Jeff Wayne it ain't, but very good nonetheless - Rated
Fans of War of the Worlds with a tenner to spare will find this radio version well worth the money. I picked it up from ebay for a lot less than that, so I'm doubly pleased. Updated to the sixties, the radio version handles the new modern setting well and follows the original Well's plot to a considerable degree - more so than even Mr. Wayne managed.

The downsides are the irritating accent of the 'Australian' helicopter pilot who replaces the artilleryman character from the original book, the seemingly WWII language used throughout [did people in the sixties really call each other "old boy"??!] and - in comparison with Jeff Wayne's version - the lack of fear and atmosphere generated by a musical score throughout. There are odd moments of unnerving music that punctuate the script, but by and large you are left to a few sound effects and the actors themselves.

Overall, though, it's a very enjoyable rendition and well worth adding to your collection.