Jeff Wayne Revives War Of The Worlds
A new stage show hits the road next year with Liam Neeson cast in major role
Jeff Wayne's musical version of the HG Wells classic has been reborn with a brand new stage production due to hit arenas across the UK in December 2012.
The new version of the show will feature a new interpretation of the classic recording, and Hollywood actor Liam Neeson has been cast as the story's narrator, George Herbert (a role originally performed by Richard Burton), who will be seen in 3D holography during the show.
"After long consideration,” says Jeff, "I concluded that for future productions, some of HG Wells’ storylines and characters should be re-explored. It would also give me the chance to re-interpret my compositions with the production techniques of today, exciting from a musician’s point of view. But perhaps the greatest opportunity was revisiting the main character of George Herbert, The Journalist who ‘threads’ the story together. And while it may have been the greatest opportunity, it was also the hardest decision to make because I knew that with a re-developed storyline, a new Journalist would need to be sought as Richard Burton’s original performance, was finite.
"And whoever that person might turn out to be, he would have to be of no less stature and quality of voice than that of Richard – an incredibly tough act to follow. But once again I have been fortunate, and have attracted Liam Neeson to these New Generation productions. He has, so-to-speak, been handed the ‘baton’ from Richard Burton, and I believe audiences and listeners alike will find Liam’s interpretation no less compelling."
Tickets for the tour are on sale next week via a Planet Rock presale on THURSDAY 24 NOVEMBER at 9am.
Here's the dates:
Saturday 01 December - Liverpool Echo Arena
Sunday 02 December - Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
Tuesday 04 December - Nottingham Capital Fm Arena
Thursday 06 December - London Wembley Arena
Friday 07 December - Birmingham NIA
Saturday 08 December - Manchester Evening News Arena
Sunday 09 December - Sheffield Motorpoint Arena
Monday 10 December - Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
Tuesday 11 December - Glasgow SECC
Thursday 13 December - Bournemouth BIC
Saturday 15 December - London O2 Arena
Sunday 16 December - Brighton Centre