Following a triumphant UK and European arena tour in 2012, Live Nation and SJM Concerts, are delighted to announce that one of the most ground-breaking tours of all time, Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds is to return for the sixth and final time in 2014.
Tickets go on sale on Friday 22nd November 2013 at 9am HERE
The announcement coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Orson Welles iconic radio adaptation, the 35th anniversary of Jeff Wayne’s classic multi-platinum album and the 115th anniversary of HG Wells’ classic novel.
The show will again feature a stellar cast with Jeff Wayne returning to the Podium to conduct the 9-piece Black Smoke Band and 36-piece ULLAdubULLA Strings with the final two musical Guest Artistes to be announced.
Liam Neeson’s 3D holographic performance as The Journalist will also return but with enhanced technology.
The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist will be performed by Brian McFadden, Jason Donovan is reprising his hugely popular role as Parson Nathaniel and Carrie Hope Fletcher featuring as Beth, Parson Nathaniel's Wife, direct from her current and widely acclaimed West End performance in Les Miserables, as Eponine.
The production will be the sixth UK tour in eight years. Jeff Wayne said: “Bringing The War of The Worlds to life in many of the world’s finest arenas has been the most amazing experience for me over the last seven years. We’ve achieved more than we ever thought was possible both musically and technologically.
However, the time is right to take The War of The Worlds in new directions after the 2014 tour. I am so very appreciative of the fantastic support over the years from so many established fans as well as numerous new ones we’ve attracted. Thank you all sincerely.
All I can say for the future of TWOTW is – Watch this space!”
The new live production will once again include:
- Liam Neeson’s performance in 3D holography sees him as an 11-foot high 'head and shoulders' as The Journalist recounting in 1904 his story of survival from the Martian invasion of Victorian England of six years earlier. However Liam’s performance will be seen with new technological advancements.
- Liam Neeson will also seen in full body on stage interacting with the show's live performers. A triumph of technology and a remarkable performance by Liam.
- A 100-foot wide 'Animation Wall'.
- The iconic 3-tonne, 35-foot tall Martian Fighting Machine firing real flame Heat Rays at the audience and scanning them with its bug-like eyes, as it 'lands' on centre stage.
- Special effects and illusions including a world first 'levitation' and the Martian Fighting Machine's 'incineration' of a cast member.
- Leaf drops over the audience and surround sound that engulfs them, contributing to the all-encompassing experience that is The War of The Worlds.
The tour announcement follows the DVD and Blu-ray released on Monday 25 November 2013 of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds, The New Generation. Filmed at a sold-out London O2 Arena, it features Liam Neeson as George Herbert The Journalist in 3D holography and an all-star cast including Marti Pellow as The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist, Jason Donovan as Parson Nathaniel, Wicked’s Kerry Ellis as his wife Beth, Kaiser Chiefs’ front-man Ricky Wilson as The Artilleryman and Jettblack’s Will Stapleton.