The War of The Worlds
No one would have believed...

t

TRUE STORY OF THE

MARTIAN INVASION

Hello Everyone,

My name is Jeff Wayne and I’m the Composer, Producer and Conductor of the Musical Version of 'The War of The Worlds’. If you’re familiar with it, then welcome back and I hope that you’ll enjoy browsing our new website which is full of new information and archive ‘classics’, including about Martian Fighting and Handling Machines, Heat Rays, Red Weed and Cylinders from Mars.

If you are new to the Invasion, let me tell you a little about myself…

In 1975 I first read HG Wells’ dark Victorian tale ‘The War of The Worlds’, gifted to me by my father, Jerry, as he knew I’d been looking for a unique story that could inspire me as a composer. When I read HG Wells’ dark Victorian tale I was hooked after one read, I could already hear ‘sound’. I knew then I had to write a Musical Work based upon such a fantastic story.

Fortunately I wasn’t the only person who felt that a Musical work based upon HG Wells’ iconic novel had promise, and we managed to attract an incredible cast - Richard Burton one of the leading men of his day, played The Journalist. The rest of our cast were musically based - and what a diverse and special group they were. The Moody Blues’ Justin Hayward (The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist), David Essex (The young Artilleryman), Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott (Parson Nathaniel), Manfred Manns Earth Band’s Chris Thompson (The Voice of Humanity) and Julie Covington (Beth, Parson Nathaniel’s wife).

By 1978 the double album was released on CBS Records (now part of Sony Music). The success was instant, and the support received was totally unexpected. I won two Ivor Novello Awards, my double album went Top 10 in 22 countries and No.1 in 11 of them. My Musical Version since 2006 has sold out Arenas worldwide and in 2012 we re-imagined the 1978 double album with a modern twist. Liam Neeson taking the baton from Richard Burton and Take That’s Gary Barlow, Kaiser Chief’s Ricky Wilson, Joss Stone, Alex Clare and Maverick Sabre becoming the cast for a New Generation. I should also add that since we began touring in 2006, the role of Carrie, The Journalist’s fiancée has become very much part of the heart of the story. I’m very proud that role has been performed beautifully by my daughter, Anna-Marie.

And that’s how I and the Martians met and started working together - we remain very close, except when our show erupts and we’re arch enemies, although we always wind up in the pub with cast, musicians and crew, sharing a brew.

I hope you will delve further into our website and learn more about the True Story of The Martian Invasion that is my musical version of… ‘The War of The Worlds’.

- JEFF WAYNE

8th December 2023

THE SPIRIT OF MAN TOUR - TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

"Listen... do you hear them drawing near?”

For UK tickets: Click here

For Dublin tickets: Click here

It’s official, tickets for Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds 2025 arena tour are on sale now!

The Spirit of Man Tour will see Jeff Wayne back on his podium conducting the 8-piece Black Smoke Band and 36-piece ULLAdubULLA Strings. Liam Neeson returns in 3D Holography as The Journalist and an all-star cast to be announced next year!

4th December 2023

THE SPIRIT OF MAN TOUR 2025!

Jeff Wayne and The War of The Worlds team are thrilled to unveil the grand return of our iconic arena production! Brace yourselves as our 35-foot Fighting Machine with its flame-firing Heat Ray conquers stages across the UK and Ireland in March and April 2025.

Fan pre-sale: Wednesday 6th Dec 2023, 10AM (via TWOTW social media + mailing list)

General on-sale: Friday 8th Dec 2023, 10AM

6th November 2023

THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE EXTENDS FOR ANOTHER 2 YEARS

In June of this year, we announced that The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience would be relocating to a new London venue, however, soon after our announcement, we had the wonderful and unexpected opportunity to remain at Leadenhall Street for a further two years, which we couldn’t say ‘no’ to.

The licensing deal will not only see the experience remain at the original venue but also, as part of the evolving partnership, the production is receiving upgrades including new music sequences and sound design originated by Jeff Wayne, seamlessly integrated into new visual moments in the show. And in The Spirit of Man steampunk bar and restaurant, a new light and sound show will play as guests enjoy a drink. These new elements will be integrated into the show in December this year. We’re thrilled that new and returning audiences will have the chance to see this updated award-winning experience for more years to come. Originally planned for a 3-month run, here we are, almost five years later, and heading for seven. No one would have believed!

18th November 2021

LIFE BEGINS AGAIN RELEASE

Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds is very proud to announce the release of 'Life Begins Again', a song for the times, performed by the cast of the upcoming 2022 arena tour:

Strictly Come Dancing's Kevin Clifton, Blue's Duncan James, Steps' Claire Richards, Inglorious' Nathan James, Stage & Screen's Anna-Marie Wayne and The Moody Blues' Justin Hayward.

But why a song for the times? Well, while the world has faced many challenges in recent years, commitment and faith remain at the heart of our chance for the future.

Life can, and will, begin again.

Watch the video here.

28th September 2021

FULL CAST ANNOUNCEMENT

Announcing the full cast of Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds: The Life Begins Again Tour for 2022! Featuring extraordinary talent from all walks of entertainment, including some familiar faces, plus new ones too. Let us introduce you to them...

Strictly Come Dancing's Kevin Clifton, Blue's Duncan James, Steps' Claire Richards, Stage & Screen's Anna-Marie Wayne, Inglorious' Nathan James... AND The Moody Blues' Justin Hayward.

Book your tour tickets now for March & April 2022 at thewaroftheworlds.com/tickets

8th December 2023

THE SPIRIT OF MAN TOUR - TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

"Listen... do you hear them drawing near?”

For UK tickets: Click here

For Dublin tickets: Click here

It’s official, tickets for Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds 2025 arena tour are on sale now!

The Spirit of Man Tour will see Jeff Wayne back on his podium conducting the 8-piece Black Smoke Band and 36-piece ULLAdubULLA Strings. Liam Neeson returns in 3D Holography as The Journalist and an all-star cast to be announced next year!

4th December 2023

THE SPIRIT OF MAN TOUR 2025!

Jeff Wayne and The War of The Worlds team are thrilled to unveil the grand return of our iconic arena production! Brace yourselves as our 35-foot Fighting Machine with its flame-firing Heat Ray conquers stages across the UK and Ireland in March and April 2025.

Fan pre-sale: Wednesday 6th Dec 2023, 10AM (via TWOTW social media + mailing list)

General on-sale: Friday 8th Dec 2023, 10AM

6th November 2023

THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE EXTENDS FOR ANOTHER 2 YEARS

In June of this year, we announced that The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience would be relocating to a new London venue, however, soon after our announcement, we had the wonderful and unexpected opportunity to remain at Leadenhall Street for a further two years, which we couldn’t say ‘no’ to.

The licensing deal will not only see the experience remain at the original venue but also, as part of the evolving partnership, the production is receiving upgrades including new music sequences and sound design originated by Jeff Wayne, seamlessly integrated into new visual moments in the show. And in The Spirit of Man steampunk bar and restaurant, a new light and sound show will play as guests enjoy a drink. These new elements will be integrated into the show in December this year. We’re thrilled that new and returning audiences will have the chance to see this updated award-winning experience for more years to come. Originally planned for a 3-month run, here we are, almost five years later, and heading for seven. No one would have believed!

18th November 2021

LIFE BEGINS AGAIN RELEASE

Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds is very proud to announce the release of 'Life Begins Again', a song for the times, performed by the cast of the upcoming 2022 arena tour:

Strictly Come Dancing's Kevin Clifton, Blue's Duncan James, Steps' Claire Richards, Inglorious' Nathan James, Stage & Screen's Anna-Marie Wayne and The Moody Blues' Justin Hayward.

But why a song for the times? Well, while the world has faced many challenges in recent years, commitment and faith remain at the heart of our chance for the future.

Life can, and will, begin again.

Watch the video here.

28th September 2021

FULL CAST ANNOUNCEMENT

Announcing the full cast of Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds: The Life Begins Again Tour for 2022! Featuring extraordinary talent from all walks of entertainment, including some familiar faces, plus new ones too. Let us introduce you to them...

Strictly Come Dancing's Kevin Clifton, Blue's Duncan James, Steps' Claire Richards, Stage & Screen's Anna-Marie Wayne, Inglorious' Nathan James... AND The Moody Blues' Justin Hayward.

Book your tour tickets now for March & April 2022 at thewaroftheworlds.com/tickets

Journal (News)