Jeff Wayne’s War Of The Worlds – The Spirit of Man Tour – Review
by Fran Winston
March 30th, 3 Arena
Starring: Max George, Maisie Smith, Rou Reynolds, Charlie Simpson, Nathan James, Anna-Marie Wayne.
Jeff Waynes’ War Of The Worlds musical album is one of those records that pretty much everyone has heard at some point in their lives. Released in 1978, it became an instant classic thanks to his infectious music and the huge names attached to the project, including David Essex, The Moody Blues star Justin Hayward, Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott and acting royalty Richard Burton to name just a few.
Based on the H.G. Wells novel of the same name from 1897, this album introduced the story in a fresh and exciting way and brought it right up to date, whilst keeping the Victorian setting. Safe to say the recording captured imagination, which is why it has endured for nearly 50 years.
Part of the magic of the album is that it allows the listener to visualise the events in their head as they listen. When I first heard they were creating a stage version back in 2006, I worried it might be one of those situations similar to seeing a movie adaptation of a book and lamenting how much better the novel was.
Thankfully, I was wrong and the touring version is now on its seventh incarnation. Along the way, Wayne released a new version of the album The Next Generation, and this version of the tour draws very much on both versions. Richard Burton has been replaced as The Narrator by Liam Neeson, who appears in holograph, but the rest of the cast are very real.
Far from a traditional stage show, the imposing set features a full orchestra and The Black Smoke band, who work together to recreate the infectious beats from the album. A large screen at the back of the stage and two giant screens on either side serve to help document the story, showing film scenes featured in the songs. Meanwhile, an imposing Martian ship descends onto the stage at an appropriate moment, staring out over the audience. The cast weave on and off the stage as appropriate and bring the classic songs to life. And, of course, the maestro Jeff Wayne is on hand to conduct everything. Now 81, he has lost none of his vigor for his Opus, and he enthusiastically bounds on stage to oversee proceedings.
This is not a traditional theatre show but more a theatrical concert. It is an audio-visual experience, and additional touches like leaves falling from the upper echelons of the arena and impressive pyrotechnics during the song “Forever Autumn” make it very immersive for the audience.
Every cast member seemed to be aware of the impact of the original and treated their songs with reverence. No one tries to go off script or do additional vocal gymnastics – they knew the audience had come to hear the classics.
It is impossible not to compare them to the original singers – a curse every person who undertakes this show has to bear. It is hard to take The Wanted’s Max George seriously as Parson Nathanial – he still feels like a boybander. Mind you, would it have been any easier to take Phil Lynott, the original Nathaniel, seriously in a stage version, despite the fact that his soaring vocals were perfect for the record? His girlfriend, former EastEnders star Masie Smith, who plays his wife here, has a better voice than I was expecting, and while she is no Julie Covington, she acquitted herself well.
Busted star Charlie Simpson, who plays the sung thoughts of the journalist, seemed to be having some sound issues during Forever Autumn, one of the best-known songs from the show. The character was originally sung by Justin Hayward, who reprised the role on the early tours, and Simpson seemed to lack the range to do justice to the role.
That minor quibble aside, this is one of those shows you leave feeling like you have had an experience rather than just watched a production. Stylish and breathtaking, it literally took the audience on a journey. The musical artistry was a joy, and the whole thing was mesmerising. The phrase “mind blowing” is bandied about a lot, but what Wayne has achieved here truly is and he left the audience with huge smiles on their faces.
Categories: Gig Reviews, Gigs, Header, Music
No More Workhorse 
seen this the other night at the ovo hydro, I went along with it brother and dad. I had never seen or heard of this before but they are massive fans. I wasn’t sure what to expect but was absolutely blown away by the performance and would recommend it to anyone! Brilliant performance.
Mind blowing indeed! Same goes for me. Today I went to Ahoy in Rotterdam, not knowing what to expect. I left with a good feeling it was nothing like I’ve seen before.
Yes it really is a wonderful experience
Saw it in Hull was always a fan but to see it live is so so good
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Seen this at the Co op arena in Manchester,always been a fan of the book ,the film ,and the album and now the live concert, absolutely fantastic from start to finish would highly recommend even to those who don’t know the music.Brilliant experience
saw it too …disappointed with the guy from Busted …enjoyed it but not as good as the last 4 times I’ve seen it
5 times now @Newcastle Arena. Never tire of this wonderful show. Here’s to the next time
looking forward to it mate in Liverpool this week on 9th April wots it like
seen this for the 1st time on April 5th at Newcastle utilita arena, was totally blown away, thoroughly enjoyed it, we loved every minute of it, fabulous
saw this on Sunday with my Dad who is a huge fan and he loved it, great experience. Would definitely recommend 👌
don’t think anything can come close to this masterpiece, from start to finish was mesmerising, well done to everyone involved and looking forward to seeing it again
Saw this last night in Sheffield after seeing it on stage initially over 20 years ago. Very different in places but both absolutely amazing.
also saw it at Sheffield I’m sorry but it was not a patch on it when I last saw it there the guy singing justin haywoods part ain’t no Justin haywood it’s a very poor substitute for previous casts of the war of the worldsin my opinion
Saw the show for the 2nd time in Sheffield Arena on the 8th absolutely amazing,and can’t wait until the next time.
Saw the show at the BIC last night and absolutely loved it. I thought both Max George and Maisie Smith were very good in their roles. I cannot say the same about Charlie Simpson: he was flatter and more pitchy than Jemini in Eurovision 2003. He was also so wooden!
Just been to see this wonderful show in Bournemouth. Fantastic production. Charlie Simpson and Nathan James sang superbly.
Seeing the show tonight in Cardiff (for the 6th or 7th time) along with 5 family members (3 of them kids) that have never seen it. I can’t wait for myself but also to see their reaction. Ooo-Laa!
well Maisie was sadly weak doesn’t have the range, Max was amazing though as was Nathan very good let down by weak female singers
saw it last night in Birmingham, it was brilliant! I’ve always loved the music but to see it come to life on stage was amazing, well done everyone 👏👏👏
I had tickets for the show a few years back, yes during the Corona time. So I cancelled. Yesterday I went to the show in Oberhausen, with my brother. It was totally worth the wait. After seeing the original film as a kid and later the remake and ofcourse having the album, I had high hopes. It was even better than expected. What a magnificent show/(rock)musical/concert and what fantastic technical features and special effects. And respect to the almost 82 year old Jeff Wayne on stage. I am happy to have witnessed this super show.
Saw it at the O2 on Sunday. Was curious (and a bit pessimistic) about some of the casting, but couldn’t have been more wrong. Pretty much every singer was excellent. Yes, of course it’s going to be different from previous iterations of the show, but people need to live in the now. Charlie Simpson, singing Forever Autumn (probably the number one song of the show for criticism) not only exceeded my own expectations but knocked the thing out of the park. Max George and Maisie Smith equally, and believe me I was ready to hate these with a passion thanks to my own preconceptions about their musical “heritage”. The only vocalist that was, in places, questionable was Anne-Marie Wayne. While more than adequate, she wasn’t as strong as the others, and dropped one or two noticeable clangers when going for higher harmonies. But it didn’t really affect enjoyment or impact of the show as a whole. Was cracking entertainment for a couple of hours, and very very well produced and delivered.