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.
LONDON, UK (28 Feb, 2020) – One of the most trailblazing arena tours of all time, Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of ‘The War of The Worlds’ - Alive on Stage! returns to arenas throughout the UK & Amsterdam in 2021.
Tickets are on sale now via our website.
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 considered a cutting edge production with six trucks filled to the brim. But in 2021, which marks a momentous 15 years of live touring, the production will be up to 12, and with it, a host of ingredients and special effects that will challenge and excite the senses.
A stellar cast will be announced soon.
Since its launch in May, the Immersive Experience of Jeff Wayne’s epic 1978 Musical Work has delighted and amazed 1000s of guests and has firmly established itself as one of London’s leading experiences – with a 92% TripAdvisor rating for Excellent or Very Good as well as widespread critical acclaim.
We're now very excited to announce that we've released tickets until August 2020 due to the phenomenal demand. The Layered RealityTM experience combines cutting-edge technology (virtual reality, augmented reality and volumetric holograms) with live performances and stunning surroundings – all set to HG Well’s dark Victorian tale and Jeff Wayne’s iconic Musical Work.
Martians get a bad rap, but they love Christmas too!
To celebrate the lead up to the festive season, we’ve released a limited edition of 2000 Martian-themed Christmas cards, on-sale now via our website shop.
Each card has it's own unique number on the back, making it the perfect Christmas card for any TWOTW fan or collector.
Each design is available to purchase separately for £3.50 including a single envelope. Or if you can't choose your favourite design, they’re available in a set of twelve containing three of each, and twelve envelopes for just £20.
Sprinkle some Martian dust on your Christmas this year. ULLA.
Journal (News)
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