War of the Worlds (O2 Arena) (2024)

Stage Production Notes​
In 1897, The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells was published in serialized form. Its immense popularity led to the science fiction story being published as a novel. The book has since inspired plays, films, television series, and a wealth of sci-fi stories.

Seeking to write an original science fiction musical, composer Jeff Wayne decided to use “the most famous sci-fi book in the world,” as his source material. Wayne wrote the show over three years in collaboration with his father, Jerry Wayne, and wife, Doreen Wayne.

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of the War of the Worlds recorded as a concept album by CBS Records (now Sony BMG) between 1976 and 1977, and released in June 1978 as a two-disc set. "Forever Autumn" and "The Eve of the War" were also released as singles.

With its unique orchestration combing prog rock (rock that is heavily influenced by classical music) and disco elements, the album was an huge success. It became one of the highest selling albums in UK history and, according to Jeff Wayne’s website, the album has sold approximately 15 million copies around the world and remains one of Sony/BMG’s most “consistent best selling albums.”

In 2006, fans of the album were finally able to see the music bought to life in a grandiose arena spectacular. Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds opened on April 13, 2006 at the Bournemouth International Center in the UK. The production was filmed live at Wembley Arena, and is available in the UK on DVD.

A new version of the show, called Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds — The New Generation toured throughout the UK in 2011.

An album version of the show was released in 2012.

Between November 2012 and January 2013, the new version performed in Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands, and Germany.​

Filmed Production Notes
The sold out performance at London’s O2 Arena was filmed live on December 15, 2012.

The film received a limited cinema release via More2Screen, an “event cinema” company that had previously released Chess in Concert and Company, throughout the UK in April, 2013.

The New Generation received mixed reviews, with critics noting that although the “event” was a grandiose spectacle, the production suffered from its reliance on a holographic lead, trite script and hammy performances.

The Hollywood Reporter’s Stephen Dalton described the film as “preposterous and enjoyable in roughly equal measure.” Mark Adams, chief film critic for Screen Daily, stated “Fans of the musical production will enjoy this effects laden new version, though those who have missed out on Wayne’s music may wonder what the fuss is about.”

It seems The War of the Worlds — The New Generation remained one for enthusiasts of the original album. Self-professed fan Nathan Barry concluded in his review for Wired,

​Articles

• Mark Adams, “Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds – Alive On Stage! The New Generation,” Screen Daily (April 5, 2013)​
• Nathan Barry, “Jeff Wayne Introduces a New Generation to His Musical Version of The War of the Worlds,” Wired (Jan 10, 2013)
• Peter Bradshaw, "The War of the Worlds – Alive on Stage! – review," The Guardian (April 4, 2013)
• Stephen Dalton, “Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds - Alive on Stage! The New Generation: Film Review,” The Hollywood Reporter (April 5, 2013)
• Andrew Pulver, "Jeff Wayne and David Essex: how we made The War of the Worlds," The Guardian (Jan 14, 2014)

Websites

• IMDb, "Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds Alive on Stage! The New Generation” Accessed via: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2916786/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt
• “Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds," Accessed via: http://www.thewaroftheworlds.com/default.aspx