22 November 2017
Newsdesk
One of the most ground-breaking arena tours of all time, Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of ‘The War of the Worlds’ - Alive on Stage is to make its return to arenas throughout the UK in 2018.
Nearly 40 years on, based on HG Wells’ dark Victorian tale, Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds 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 an exciting full cast to be announced soon.
In 2018 TWOTW 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.
…and much, much more!
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 proudly 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. The reissue is available to pre-order on Amazon now.
The year will continue with a number of additional special releases to mark the 40th Anniversary of this iconic masterpiece.
Jeff Wayne's double album was originally released by CBS Records in 1978. It has enjoyed huge success and critical acclaim across the globe with over 15 million records sold and spending over 330 weeks in the UK Album Charts (to date) plus achieving two International hit singles - 'Forever Autumn' and 'The Eve of The War'. It has been Top 10 in 22 countries and Number 1 in 11 of them.
The War of The Worlds has also won two prestigious UK Ivor Novello Awards, the US Best Recording in Science Fiction and Fantasy (the judges included Alfred Hitchcock, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg), as well as winning for Jeff, Classic Rock's 'Showman of The Year' Award.
Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds has grown into a true classic, acquiring new generations of devoted followers since its original release.
NOVEMBER 2018
FRIDAY 30th - GLASGOW SSE HYDRO ARENA
DECEMBER 2018
SATURDAY 1st NEWCASTLE METRO RADIO ARENA
SUNDAY 2nd MANCHESTER ARENA
TUESDAY 4th LEEDS FIRST DIRECT AREN
WEDNESDAY 5th LIVERPOOL ECHO ARENA
FRIDAY 7th NOTTINGHAM MOTORPOINT ARENA
SATURDAY 8th BIRMINGHAM GENTING ARENA
SUNDAY 9th CARDIFF MOTORPOINT ARENA
MONDAY 10th CARDIFF MOTORPOINT ARENA
WEDNESDAY 12th BOURNEMOUTH BIC WINDSOR HALL
THURSDAY 13th BOURNEMOUTH BIC WINDSOR HALL
SATURDAY 15th LONDON THE O2 (MATINEE)
SATURDAY 15th LONDON THE O2
SUNDAY 16th BRIGHTON CENTRE
MONDAY 17th BRIGHTON CENTRE
