Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of ‘The War of the Worlds’ – Alive on Stage is heading back to arenas throughout the UK with a new 2018 tour.
First staged almost 40 years ago, and based on HG Wells’ dark Victorian tale, the production remains a firm favourite to millions around the world.
Commanding the stage, Jeff Wayne returns to the podium to conduct the 9-piece Black Smoke Band and 36-piece ULLAdubULLA strings, while Liam Neeson retains his role in 3D holography as The Journalist, with the full cast to be announced soon.
In 2018 The War of the Worlds will “break through the fourth wall”.
Built around a huge arched bridge running through the centre of the arena brings the action closer to the audience for a most captivating and immersive experience.
This production, mixed live in Surround Sound, will once again feature:
- The iconic 3-tonne, 35-foot tall Martian Fighting Machine firing real flame Heat Rays at the audience.
- A 100-foot wide ‘Animation Wall’ with 2 hours of cutting edge CGI.
- A ground-breaking levitation effect.
- The incineration of a cast member in full view of the audience.
- Leaf drops over the audience.
Jeff Wayne said: “In June 1978 my original double album was released. I had no idea if it would vanish as quickly as one can say… “ULLAdubULLA!”
“But here I am today, soon to be celebrating its 40th Anniversary throughout 2018, culminating in what I believe will be the most exciting arena tour we’ve ever performed.
No one would have believed…”
To start the year off, Sony Music are reissuing the original 1978 double 12” vinyl album, on 26th January 2018.
Stunningly remastered for a superior sounding audio experience, it also includes the original double gatefold with 16-page booklet containing the full script, lyrics, original paintings, and credits.
This vinyl reissue is the first in a number of special releases planned throughout 2018 to mark the 40th Anniversary of Jeff Wayne’s iconic masterpiece and is available to pre-order on Amazon now.
Tickets will be on sale from 9am on Friday, 24th November 2017 from www.livenation.co.uk