Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds
In celebration of Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds upcoming 2022 tour and the world starting to ease back into normality, we’re thrilled to share with you their brand new version of ‘Life Begins Again’.
Performed by The Brave New World Singers and conducted by Jeff Wayne, it features all the Guest Artists from the 2014 and 2018 tours, plus recently announced for 2022 - Claire Richards and Kevin Clifton.
Jeff Wayne’s multi-award-winning masterpiece, touring the major arenas of the UK and abroad since 2006, has had to postpone its previously announced 2021 UK and European Tour until March/April 2022.
All previously purchased tickets remain valid.
Steps’ and stage star Claire Richards makes her debut as Beth, The Parson’s Wife. With Steps,Claire has amassed fourteen Top 5 singles (including three Number 1’s), and three multi Platinum albums, including 20 million in record sales and seven sold-out arena tours. Claire is often our TV screens, including The One Show, Loose Women, Celebrity Big Brother and Popstar to Operastar, and her 2019 solo album, My Wildest Dreams, hit the UK Top 10.
Claire said: "I am so thrilled to be joining the cast of Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds for their 2022 Arena tour. To be a part of such an iconic production is so exciting, and I'm really looking forward to getting back out on the road next year.”
Strictly and West End star Star Kevin Clifton will debut as The Artilleryman. Kevin has thrilled audiences in the West End and across the UK, starring in ‘Rock of Ages', ‘Dirty Dancing the Musical’ and 'The Wedding Singer’.
Now, he’ll be returning to the stage in 2022 for this exciting role. Kevin is best known as a Pro Dancer on BBC One’s, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ being the only pro dancer to ever dance in four consecutive finals.
Kevin said “I am unbelievably excited to be joining the cast of Jeff Wayne’s The War Of The Worlds. In 2022 this particular story could not be more relevant. After so long without live performance, what better experience could there be than this spectacular arena production complete with a full live onstage orchestra and special effects. 'Life Begins Again!’ "
Based on HG Wells’ dark Victorian tale, it remains a firm favourite to millions around the world, exciting audiences of all ages.
In 2006 TWOTW was already considered a cutting edge production with six trucks filled to the brim. But in 2022, the production be up to 12 trucks, and with it, a host of ingredients and special effects that will challenge and excite the senses.
RETURNING:
Liam Neeson in 3D holography as George Herbert, The Journalist
The iconic 3-tonne, 35-foot tall Martian Fighting Machine firing real flame Heat Rays at the audience.
The 9-piece Black Smoke Band and ULLAdubULLA symphonic string orchestra.
Leaf drops over the audience.
Mixed live in Surround Sound
UPDATED FOR 2022:
The giant arched bridge now running from the lip of the stage out over the audience to the front of house desk.
Three panoramic screens with 2 hours of cutting edge CGI and other content
The incineration of a cast member in full view of the audience.
NEW FOR 2022:
Lighting, pyrotechnics… and other-worldly special effects.
Ground-breaking levitation effect.
The release of deadly Black Smoke from the Martian Fighting Machine
Plus ‘The War of The Worlds’ author, HG Wells - appearing in sight and sound …and much, much more!
Jeff Wayne said: "For over four decades now I’ve lived out a dream of bringing the true story of HG Wells dark Victorian tale to listeners and audiences from around the world, while pushing technology to the limit both sonically and visually as time has moved on.
In 2019 we launched The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience in Central London. combining, immersive theatre, virtual and, augmented realities, holograms and other cutting-edge technology; giving audiences the chance to live through the Martian invasion of 1898.
Now our newest arena production combines these elements within the live performance medium, for an even more unique, emotional and at times, scary experience.”
Tickets are limited to 6 per person.