Star cast for War of the Worlds

ONE of the most trailblazing tours of all time, Jeff Wayne’s musical version of The War Of The Worlds - Alive On Stage returns to arenas next year, with a stellar cast including Strictly Come Dancing’s Kevin Clifton and Blue’s Duncan James.

The spellbinding show hits the stage of Hull’s Bonus Arena on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, and tickets are on sale now for the awardwinning musical masterpiece, which will see a three-tonne, 30ft tall Martian Fighting Machine firing realflame heat rays at the audience, and three panoramic screens featuring more than two hours of cutting-edge CGI and video.

Kevin Clifton said: “I am unbelievably excited to be joining the cast of Jeff Wayne’s The War of The World. In 2022 this particular story could not be more relevant.

“After so long without live performance, what better experience could there be than this spectacular arena production complete with a full live onstage orchestra and special effects. Life Begins Again!“

Strictly star Kevin Clifton will play The Artilleryman in the show, with Blue’s Duncan James appearing as Parson Nathaniel and Steps star Claire Richards as Beth, the parson’s wife.

The Moody Blues’ Justin Hayward reprises his original role as The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist while Liam Neeson appears as The Journalist in 3D holography.

Jeff Wayne, who will be conducting the eight-piece Black Smoke Band, said: “Like so many artists whose tours are starting up once again, I’m very privileged to be among them, returning with my Musical Version of The War Of The Worlds - Alive On Stage.”

Based on HG Wells’ dark Victorian tale, TWOTW remains a firm favourite to millions around the world.

Tickets are on general sale now via www.livenation.co.uk