JEFF WAYNE’S MUSICAL VERSION OF THE WAR OF THE WORLDS…THE NEW GENERATION!
Event Timings
1830: Doors open
2000: The War of the Worlds - act 1
2050: Interval
2110: The War of the Worlds - act 2
2200: Show ends
(Timings may vary slightly on the night.)
WILL STAPLETON JOINS ALL STAR CAST
IN THE ROLE OF THE VOICE OF HUMANITY
Will Stapleton, front man of the fast-rising British rock band Jettblack will join the cast of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of ‘The War of The Worlds - Alive on Stage!’ for The New Generation tour.
Fresh off the back of a headline tour with Jettblack, Will is looking forward to hitting the stage alongside a new and exciting cast performing the role of The Voice of Humanity.
Will says,
“It’s an honour to even be considered for a role like this let alone getting the part. I can’t wait to put my own stamp on the role of The Voice of Humanity whose track ‘Thunder Child’ is the climatic song that ends Act 1. I’m raring to get on stage”
Will joins an all-star cast including Marti Pellow as The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist, Jason Donovan playing Parson Nathaniel, and Kerry Ellis as his wife, Beth. Also confirmed is Kaiser Chiefs’ Ricky Wilson in the role of The Artilleryman.
Hollywood star Liam Neeson will appear in the new production, for the first time, in the holographic role of The Journalist, taking over from Richard Burton’s iconic narration on the original album, and previous tours. The groundbreaking, full body, live action hologram is an extraordinary performance from Liam, who interacts with the live performers, including passing objects between hologram and reality!
In addition to being in one of the most successful and highly acclaimed chart topping bands in British pop history, Marti has also taken to the stage around the world from West End to Broadway and in touring productions of Chicago, The Witches of Eastwick, Jekyll & Hyde and starred as The Narrator in Blood Brothers.
Marti has also starred in TV shows such as Chess in Concert and The Abbey. A man of diverse talent who always excels in whatever he turns his hand to. He is thrilled to be a part of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds – Alive on Stage! The New Generation.
Jeff Wayne says,
“Over the years, I’ve been privileged to have had the participation of some truly great artists. For me, the real bonus is that I’ve always been a true fan of those who have come on board; to me it’s not been ‘work’, just great fun.
As our Journalist I’m thrilled to have attracted Liam Neeson to my 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.
For this next arena tour with Ricky Wilson, Jason Donovan, Kerry Ellis and Marti Pellow they each have a magic that draws audiences to them and I welcome them all to The War of The Worlds.
Jason Donovan will return in a new role, as Parson Nathaniel.
Fresh from Strictly Come Dancing, Jason Donovan, will return to the cast of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds for The New Generation Tour.
Previously a leading light of the phenomenally successful tour as The Artilleryman, Jason will return as Parson Nathaniel, the disturbed holy man driven to insanity by the Martian invasion of earth.
Jason says,“I am delighted and very excited to be going back on tour with The War of The Worlds and taking on the new role of Parson Nathaniel. The New Generation is going to have some fantastic effects and I, for one, can’t wait to see the 3D hologram of Liam Neeson! It’s going to be a whole new show and a whole new experience.”
West End star Kerry Ellis will play his wife Beth, “I was already thrilled to be part of such a credible cast,” says Kerry, “and now to add Jason Donovan into this is fantastic – he’s an inspirational West End star and international heartthrob. Having Jason cast as my husband is a teen dream come true"
Also confirmed is Kaiser Chiefs’ Ricky Wilson in the role of The Artilleryman.
Hollywood star Liam Neeson will appear in the new production, for the first time, in the holographic role of The Journalist, taking over from Richard Burton’s iconic narration on the original album, and previous tours. The groundbreaking, full body, live action hologram is an extraordinary performance from Liam, who interacts with the live performers, including passing objects between hologram and reality!
In addition to a long career in TV, and success in the charts, Jason has starred in acclaimed productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, The Rocky Horror Show, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Sweeney Todd and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, before joining the 2010-11 tour of The War of The Worlds.
Such is his reputation that Andrew Lloyd Webber has chosen Jason to mentor contestants for the new ITV talent show, Superstar! searching for the lead in the new production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Jeff Wayne says, “I’m not aware of any performer who has portrayed a leading character in one production, then returned in the next playing an entirely different role. But such is Jason Donovan’s diverse talent, this is exactly what he will be doing. Having been a magnificent Artilleryman in our 2010 production - that of a dreamer with a plan for Mankind’s survival underground - he will now tackle the role of Parson Nathaniel, who has lost all faith in Humanity and the ability to survive on top of it. I have no doubt Jason will bring a vibrant interpretation to this character, and I welcome him back to The War of The Worlds - Alive on Stage!”
NEW DOUBLE ALBUM RELEASED BY SONY MUSIC - NOVEMBER 12TH 2012!
Featuring:
Liam Neeson / Gary Barlow / Maverick Sabre / Joss Stone
Alex Clare / Ricky Wilson / Will Stapleton