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Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds – Alive on Stage!

The spirit of man tour.

• Date 3 Apr , 2025
• Event Starts 7:30 PM
• Doors Open 6:30PM
• On Sale On Sale Now

The Mixer is our brand-new premium space. With its own private bar, bar tender and table service you won’t need to leave your seat or miss a moment of the action. Find out more about The Mixer  here.

Please note this package is suitable for 18+ due to package inclusions. 

Our awesome Suite Experiences gives up to 16 people an unforgettable time. Welcome drink. Suite host to look after your every whim. Pre-show drinks and dining. Private seats and dancing area.  More on Suites here .

Tickets for The Gallery won’t break the bank but you will get VIP treatment. You’ll jump the queues via the VIP early fast-track entrance and be handed a free welcome drink. Enjoy access to our VIP bathrooms by simply flashing your souvenir Gallery lanyard. Get food and drink delivered direct to your seat.

Elevate your evening with our Luxury Experience. Access the arena via our VIP entrance . Sip a flute of the finest  Champagne . Savour three courses of fine dining. Luxury all the way.  More on Luxury Experiences here.

Event Details

Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds is back with a monumental new 17-date (19 shows) UK and Ireland arena tour, arriving just in time to celebrate 130 years since the publication of HG WELLS’ dark Victorian tale. Conducted by Jeff Wayne and featuring Liam Neeson in 3D holography as The Journalist, who recounts his story of survival from the Martian invasion of 1898.  

The tour will again feature an exciting new cast to be announced over the coming months.   One of the most trailblazing arena tours of all time, Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds (TWOTW) returns with a musical spectacular like none other, with the production remaining a favourite to millions around the world, exciting audiences of all ages.    In 2006, TWOTW was already considered a cutting-edge production with six trucks filled to the brim. By 2025, marking 19 years of live touring, the production will be up to 12 trucks, with a host of new ingredients and special effects to challenge and excite the senses. Further details to be announced over the coming months.

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds –a musical experience not to be missed. 

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Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds

It's not going to appeal to everyone. You could criticise the music, which is prog-rock and relies heavily on repetition of a few catchy jingle-like motifs, rather than fully developed songs, strung together with what Jerry Goldsmith once called "the saving grace of the ostinato". You might find the show's disparate elements - light show, filmed images, live actors, orchestra, props - fighting for your attention rather than complementing each other. You might even find Jeff Wayne's constant onscreen presence a little too much egoboo  (that's a sci-fi term, but I’m sure you get it). But as I said, I loved it. I once had the honour of sitting in a cinema alongside my much-missed mate, "Mr Science Fiction" Forry Ackerman (google will tell you who he was). I only wish it was this movie we had been watching, because I'm sure he would have ADORED it.

Images: Roy Smiljanic / Jeff Wayne Productions

Earlier coverage and participating cinemas – link

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Jeff Wayne's The War Of The Worlds

Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds is back with a monumental show here at Co-op Live, arriving just in time to celebrate 130 years since the publication of HG WELLS’ dark Victorian tale. Conducted by Jeff Wayne and featuring Liam Neeson in 3D holography as The Journalist, who recounts his story of survival from the Martian invasion of 1898.

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Upgrade your night: co-op backstage club.

Level up your Co-op Live experience with the exclusive Co-op Backstage Club - a vibrant, energy-filled space matching Manchester's bustling Northern Quarter.

Arrive through a VIP entrance, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink. Enjoy premium refreshments, top-quality food, an exclusive merchandise shop, and dedicated toilets. Available when you buy your ticket.

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Getting Here:

Co-op Live is located on the Etihad Campus in East Manchester and you can take multiple different modes of transport to the arena. Check out our dedicated page for all your travel questions.

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6 APRIL 2025

AGE RESTRICTION

Anyone aged 14 or under must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over.

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We've teamed up with our friends at Attitude Is Everything to ensure our venue is as accessible as possible. Our state of the art venue includes design and spaces to help everyone make the most of their visit, from lowered service counters, step-free access to all floors, a designated respite room, support for assistance dogs, hearing loops and more.

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SPIRIT OF MAN

LISTEN, CAN YOU HEAR THEM DRAWING NEAR?

Jeff Wayne and The War of The Worlds team are thrilled to unveil the grand return of our iconic arena production! Brace yourselves as our 35-foot Fighting Machine with its flame-firing Heat Ray conquers stages across the UK and Ireland in March and April 2025.

Our first two cast members have been announced! For the first time in Martian history, a real-life couple will be performing as the married couple: Max George as Parson Nathaniel and Maisie Smith as Beth , his wife. Jeff said: “Being a couple in real life will add to their on-stage charisma and chemistry. Maisie has such a melodic but powerful voice, which compliments Max’s dramatic and soulful vocals wonderfully."

Jeff Wayne will be back on his podium conducting the 8-piece Black Smoke Band and 36-piece ULLAdubULLA Strings. Liam Neeson returns in 3D Holography as The Journalist, and the final all-star cast will be announced soon!

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Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds - Alive on Stage

The spirit of man tour.

• Date 20 Apr 2025
• Venue The O2 arena
• Availability On sale now

• Sunday 20 Apr 2025 Doors: 1:00 PM Buy tickets + Add to calendar
• Sunday 20 Apr 2025 Doors: 6:00 PM Buy tickets + Add to calendar

Event Details

Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds is back with a monumental headline show at The O2, taking place on Sunday 20 April 2025.

The tour will again feature an exciting new cast to be announced over the coming months. 

One of the most trailblazing arena tours of all time, Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds (TWOTW) returns with a musical spectacular like none other, with the production remaining a favourite to millions around the world, exciting audiences of all ages. 

In 2006, TWOTW was already considered a cutting-edge production with six trucks filled to the brim. By 2025, marking 19 years of live touring, the production will be up to 12 trucks, with a host of new ingredients and special effects to challenge and excite the senses.

Further details to be announced over the coming months. Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds –a musical experience not to be missed.

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of

THE WAR OF THE WORLDS

Based upon the classic science fiction story by HG Wells

Adapted by Doreen Wayne

Composed, arranged, conducted and produced by

Gary Osborne (‘Thunder Child’, ‘The Spirit of Man’, and ‘Brave New World’

Paul Vigrass and Gary Osborne (‘Forever Autumn’)

Jeff Wayne (‘The Eve of The War’ and ‘Life Begins Again’)

The War of The Worlds: Jeff Wayne's musical version of HG Wells’ classic novel ‘The War of The Worlds’ is one of the best-selling musical works of all time. To date it has sold over 16 million records around the world and has been adapted into several foreign language versions.  It has charted in no less than 22 countries, been number 1 in 11 of them and achieved gold or platinum status in all but 5, including 13 times platinum in the UK, 13 times platinum in Australia and 14 times platinum in New Zealand. The double album was re-imagined in 2012, called ‘JWMVofTWOTW: The New Generation’ and featured Liam Neeson, Take That’s Gary Barlow, Joss Stone, Kaiser Chief’s Ricky Wilson and others. The musical work has toured globally since 2006 performing arenas such as London’s O2 and Manchester Arena.  JWMVofTWOTW played an extended Season in 2016 of 86 shows at The Dominion Theatre, London’s West End and released an Audible Original Musical Drama starring Michael Sheen, Taron Egerton, Theo James and Adrian Edmondson in 2018. A multi-award-winning Immersive Experience, originally booked for a 3-month season, is now coming to the end of its 5th  year and has recently been extended for a further 2 years with an updated version set for February 2024.

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of TWOTW – The Immersive Experience features VR, AR, holographic performances and live actors, all set to Jeff’s iconic work. 

Important Information - How to download your tickets on The O2 app

For this show, if you’ve purchased your tickets from theo2.co.uk or AXS.com you’ll need to display your ticket on your phone via The O2 app. Ticket purchasers will receive an email with news and information on  AXS Mobile ID tickets  and how you can download your tickets to your phone. 

If you’ve bought your tickets for this show via AXS then you can re-sell your tickets with AXS Official Resale   which gives you a safe, simple, and fair way to buy and sell tickets.

For more information on re-selling tickets from AXS and other ticket agents  click here .  

Please note:  If you purchase  resale   tickets for this show through any website other than via theo2.co.uk or axs.com, your tickets may not be valid and access to the venue could be refused.

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Review: JEFF WAYNE'S THE WAR OF THE WORLDS, O2 Arena

Jeff Wayne's 2022 Tour takes its final bow in London

Of all the retellings of H. G Wells ' alien-invasion novella, The War of The Worlds , Jeff Wayne 's musical version, is perhaps the most popular.

Beginning as a concept album in 1978, the rock opera quickly became a commercial success. In fact, in 2018, it was listed as one of the UK's bestselling studio albums of all time - selling upwards of 16 million copies.

As a result, it's hardly surprising that the music is the star of the show - with Wayne being joined on stage by the Black Smoke band and the ULLAdubULLA Strings. While the showing began with a little more of a thud than a bang (the result of a technical error that required the show to restart, for what, Jeff claimed, was the first time in 16 years), they quickly bounced back. Despite the size of the venue, true immersion is created through a heavily layered score, impressive lighting, and powerhouse vocals from the cast. To put it simply, there's nothing as powerful as live music.

This production is no stranger to the stage, with a new tour commencing every few years. However, over the past decade, film giant Liam Neeson has remained a constant presence as the narrator, albeit in the form of a voiceover and holograph. The voiceover adds nuance and tension to the score, creating a clearer narrative for the audience to follow. However, there is something to be desired in revamping some of the digital tech used in the show, regarding both the holograph of Neeson (which is dwarfed on the stage) and the accompanying visuals played on a big screen behind the orchestra.

A talented cast rounds out the production, showcasing how the alien invasion impacts human lives on earth. Strictly Come Dancing's Kevin Clifton gives an endearing performance as the Artillery Man - particularly during his Act Two solo, "Brave New World".

Similarly striking is Nathan James , reclaiming his role as the voice of humanity for a second time. James has the spirit and presence of a true rockstar, taking to the stage with confidence and charisma that leaves the audience enthralled. Claire Richards (of Steps fame) gives a strong vocal performance in the role of the Parson's Wife and is nicely paired with Duncan James as the Parson in their duet "The Spirit of Man".

The War of the Worlds is a truly cinematic experience, aided by spectacular special effects throughout - including lighting design from Tim Routledge. Regardless of whether or not audiences are fans of the original source material or are entering this world anew, it makes for a thoroughly entertaining evening - one that may have you looking a little closer into the night sky on your way home. After all, who knows what is really lurking out in the darkness?

While this performance marked curtains down for the 2022 tour, you can find more information about the future of the show here

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• Jeff Wayne's Musical Version Of The War Of The Worlds (Limited 40th anniversary Vinyl Edition)

Tom Stafford / 26 February 2020

Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds to tour in 2021

The global phenomenon returns with brand new and updated features.

Find tickets here

The multi award-winning Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds is set to return to the UK next year.

Based on HG Wells’ dark Victorian tale of an alien invasion, the show, which has been seen by millions of people of all ages across the globe, will commence a brand new run at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena on 31 March 2021, before taking in stops in Birmingham, Cardiff, Brighton, Bournemouth, Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, Hull, Liverpool, Newcastle and London.

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds 2020 UK tour dates

31 March 2021 – Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham (20:00) 1 April 2021 – Arena Birmingham (20:00) 3 April 2021 – Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff (15:00) 3 April 2021 – Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff (20:00) 5 April 2021 – Brighton Centre (15:00) 5 April 2021 – Brighton Centre (20:00) 6 April 2021 – Bournemouth International Centre (20:00) 7 April 2021 – Bournemouth International Centre (20:00) 9 April 2021 – Manchester Arena (20:00) 10 April 2021 – The SSE Hydro, Glasgow (20:00) 11 April 2021 – First Direct Arena, Leeds (20:00) 13 April 2021 – Bonus Arena, Hull (20:00) 14 April 2021 – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool (20:00) 15 April 2021 – Utilita Arena, Newcastle (20:00) 17 April 2021 – The O2, London (15:00) 17 April 2021 – The O2, London (20:00)

2021 will mark 15 years since The War Of The Worlds began touring, and since its debut, the scale of the production has grown exponentially with 12 trucks required to haul around the special effects that have captured the imaginations of those who have witnessed the show.

Returning to the production in 2021 will be: Liam Neeson in 3D holography as journalist George Herbert, the iconic 35-foot-tall Marian Fighting Machine firing real flame heat rays at the audience, the nine-piece Black Smoke Band and ULLAdubULLA symphonic string orchestra, leaf drops over the audience and the show will be mixed live in surround sound.

Updated features for 2021 include: The giant arched bridge now runs from the lip of the stage out over the audience to the front of house desk, three panoramic screens with two hours of cutting-edge CGI and the incineration of a cast member in full view of the audience.

The 2021 production will also feature brand new lighting, pyrotechnics and otherworldly special effects; a ground-breaking levitation effect, and the release of deadly black smoke from the Martian Fighting Machine.

Jeff Wayne’s double album was originally released in 1978, enjoying huge success across the globe with over 16 million records sold.

His musical version of The War Of The Worlds has grown into a modern live phenomenon, having been seen by millions of fans across the globe.

Jeff comments: “For over four decades now I’ve lived out a dream of bringing the true story of HG Wells dark Victorian tale to listeners and audiences from around the world while pushing technology to the limit both sonically and visually as time has moved on.

“In 2019 we launched The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience in Central London. combining, immersive theatre, virtual and, augmented realities, holograms and other cutting-edge technology; giving audiences the chance to live through the Martian invasion of 1898.

“Now our newest arena production combines these elements within the live performance medium, for an even more unique, emotional and at times, scary experience.”

Casting for the production will be announced soon.

Tickets to see Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds, taking to arenas across 2021, will be available from 09:00 on Friday 6 March 2020 through Ticketmaster.co.uk . 

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From Justin: War of the Worlds

Regarding the "War of the Worlds";

I'm now in New Zealand after completing the Australia 'War of the Worlds' tour.

The tour is going really, really well, and all the shows have been brilliant. Because it's such a big production, there are the occasional technical hitches, but most of the time things go very smoothly and I'm told the show looks and sounds great.

It's a real pleasure to work with Australian singers and performers too, and Shannon, Rachel and Michael are really dedicated in their approach to each nights performance. Shannon has a new CD out and he is working really hard doing promo for that at the same time.

I tend to hang out and travel with the musicians, led by Gordy, and we have had a lot of fun, as well as working hard on rehearsals and run throughs. The whole vibe of the tour is excellent.

I'm in New Zealand now and am scheduled to do an 'early' TV show Thursday. I hope to have a look around while I am here. We had such a great time in New Zealand in 2005 and saw some really beautiful parts of the country. In Australia I went to the beautiful Koala park in Brisbane and found all the other musicians there too! I loved Sydney, and got to know it a lot better this time around, and I spent time with friends and family in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne.

I love this show of course, and, at the same time I look forward to playing my own songs again and being with the other Moodies.

See you in October,

Love, Justin