The War Of The Worlds – Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version

“No one would have believed in the last year of the 19^th century that human affairs were being watched from the timeless worlds of space.”

Richard Burton’s powerful, calm, expressive voice boomed out from the hologram face projected onto the stage, the music from the 46-piece string orchestra and 10-piece band filled the SECC as Jeff Wayne conducted his powerful live extravaganza of the classic ‘The War of the Worlds’.

This was far more than a musical performance, projected onto a large screen the story was told using a mixture of old footage, actors, cgi and stills, smoke, dry ice, mirrors, firecrackers, low almost unheard bass notes making the floor and building shake as the fighting machines walked across the screen and wreaked destruction, the lighting was also used to great effect, both to accentuate the music and add to the drama.  From above a fighting machine descended to stand towering over the stage and dominating us all, searching and shooting it’s heat ray around the enthralled audience, as the H G Wells tale unfolded to the sound of Ulla and the rest of the unforgettable score that the public first heard nearly 30 years ago.  Okay so David Essex didn’t appear, the seats were still incredibly uncomfortable (the SECC really needs to do something about them), but all was forgiven as our senses were bombarded by the classic tale which is ‘The War of the Worlds’.

If like me you were wowed by the original album back in the 70’s then this production is a must, even if you weren’t this production is well worth going to see.  Beg, borrow or steal – well maybe not steal I wouldn’t advocate that – but do what you legally can to get a ticket I very much doubt you will be disappointed.