Original Theatre, in association with New Wolsey Theatre, are currently presenting the UK premiere of The Time Machine, a fast-paced and wise-cracking retelling of the world-famous novel by H.G. Wells. We spoke to cast member Dave Hearn (best known for being one of the founding members of Mischief Theatre) about the touring production.

Can you tell us a bit about what The Time Machine is about?

The Time Machine is about three actors trying to put on their adaptation of the H.G. Wells novel, but they soon discover something that will change their worlds forever, maybe even the audience's too!

Were you aware of the book by H.G. Wells before you started working on this production?

I was certainly aware of it, but I had never read it…I still haven’t.

Are you looking forward to touring the country with the show?

Oh yes! It’s been a challenge getting the show on because the script is so intricate and beautifully written, but now we are a few shows in, I have real faith in the show and the team we have are just fantastic! 

What can audiences expect from The Time Machine?

It’s very much a show of two halves…that’s all I’ll say!

With the show only having three cast members, can we expect a lot of quick changes and multi-rolling?

You certainly can, Amy [Revelle] and Michael [Dylan] are the talented ones who actually do all of the work, I mainly just stand at the front and shout.

This isn’t the first time that Original Theatre have given a classic story a comedy makeover after their hit with The Hound of the Baskervilles. What is it like to work with a company that is able to give these stories such a unique twist?

The folks at Original have been totally wonderful, extremely supportive and engaged with the process. The writers, John [Nicholson] and Steve [Canny], have been so generous with their script and our director Orla [O’Loughlin] has somehow managed to rein us all in and make a wonderful show so they are brilliant to work with.

With the show combining comedy and sci-fi, do you think that there is something for everybody to enjoy with The Time Machine?

Yeah I think there is certainly something for everyone. There is some genuinely impressive science in there that took me several weeks to get my head around and it actually makes sense! So those that are looking out for that will be pleased but for me, if in doubt, I just fall over. So yeah, something for everyone.

The Time Machine is currently playing at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich and continues touring until April 2023, with further information here.