Jeff Wayne performs War of the Worlds Live Review

This live performance of Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds is fantastic. It's a musical stage production with a laser show, a brilliant accompanying movie with great visual effects and some awesome stage props. Jeff Wayne conducts the Black Smoke Band and the ULLAdubULLA string orchestra along with guest stars;

Justin Hayward - The Sung Thoughts Of The Journalist

Chris Thompson - The Voice Of Humanity

Russell Watson - Parson Nathaniel

Alexis James - The Artilleryman

Tara Bleise - Beth, The Parsons Wife

They also included a virtual Richard Burton, it was a computer animated face that spoke excerpts from the story. It is present on a curved surface so you believe the head is facing out of the screen. I won't spoil the surprise but it involves the best piece of stage decoration I have ever seen.

History

The original War of the Worlds story was written by H.G. Wells in 1898. It depicts the world during the industrial revolution being invaded by superior beings from Mars. The story is told by narration of an unknown gentlman journalist, therefore the content reads alot like a newspaper article.

In fact, in 1938, the book was broadcast and was percieved to be a real news bulletin. This caused widespread panic as people believed that the planet was really being invaded. For Evidence Click Here.

Jeff Wayne recorded his musical version of War of the Worlds in 1976 -77 . It was released in 1978. It became an international bestseller.