Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds began as a rock opera album musical in 1978, based on the H. G. Wells of the same name.
The story follows the main character of The Journalist, trying to survive the Martian invasion of Earth in the last years of the 19th century.
On his journey to find his lover Carrie, he meets the Artilleryman, Parson Nathanial and his wife Beth.
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The musical adaptation went on to be a success and picked up accolades such as an Ivor Novello Award for music and a Guinness World Record for the longest theatrical run of its immersive show.
Jeff Wayne (left) recently received a Guinness World Record for the immersive experience (Image: Jack Hall/PA Media)
Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds – Live! The Concert Experience is embarking on a tour of the country in October and November this year, and has added extra dates due to “phenomenal public demand.”
It will be performed at the Ipswich Regent Theatre on Tuesday, November 3 and is the first time audiences in the UK will experience a concert rendition of the score.
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Ahead of the tour, Wayne said: “It’s a great thrill to announce that a special concert rendition of my original double album is to tour the UK in October next year – a first of its kind on our home shores.
” Performing at concert and theatre venues, it will give the audiences a different perspective of my musical version, stripping the spectacle of my arena tours back down to its foundation – the music!
“For this concert tour, I’ll be stepping back from the podium, but the production will showcase exceptional artists from the West End and other major performing mediums, supported by a band, orchestra, animation and other concert elements. It will stand as a true companion to my arena tours.”
Tickets for the show in Ipswich go on sale at 10am on Friday, January 23.