Jeff Wayne's
War Of The Worlds
The New Generation
War Of The Worlds
The New Generation
Cast: Liam Neeson, Marti Pellow, Ricky Wilson, Will
Stapleton, Kerry Ellis, Jason Donovan
Everything else: Jeff Wayne
Everything else: Jeff Wayne
It first hit vinyl and our collective ears and imagination
in 1978. Now in 2013, Jeff Wayne’s musical version of The War of The Worlds
brings together an entirely new generation of musicians, actors and performers
on a brand-new recording of what has undoubtedly, and quite rightly, become one
of the most iconic albums of all time.
This new hi-definition digital film version, recorded live in front of an enthusiastic audience at London’s o2 arena, mixes a live orchestral and rock group ensemble with stunning video technology, wonderful live stage performances and futuristic props in what must have been a highly complex but beautifully achieved work.
Wayne’s updated re-interpretation of the HG Well’s novel is a pyrotechnic and special effects extravaganza, with a very impressive array of stars filling the well-known roles. Marti Pellow competently lends his vast stage experience as The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist, with popular tracks The Eve of The War and Forever Autumn, accompanied by an authentic fall of autumnal leaves.
Will Stapleton, vocalist of UK rock band Jettblack, tackles The Voice of Humanity on Thunder Child – as mankind faces imminent doom from the Martian invaders.
Jason Donovan portrays a flummoxed, battered and bruised Parson Nathaniel – with Kerry Ellis as his wife, Beth - as both try to remain forthright and optimistic, despite the growing and gnawing approach of despair resulting from the alien destruction of all human life.
Neeson appears on screen as George Herbert, replacing the late Richard Burton as The Journalist and adds weight and authority to the proceedings.
However the bravura performance has to be from Ricky Wilson as the Artilleryman. The lead singer of Kaiser Chiefs is truly outstanding, as he enthusiastically eats the role and utterly dominates the stage – he genuinely is breathtakingly brilliant.
The main man however is Jeff Wayne. The entire project is a triumph. Superbly written, staged and played – it is a testament to his genius and unerring talent. Out of this world? Indeed.
This new hi-definition digital film version, recorded live in front of an enthusiastic audience at London’s o2 arena, mixes a live orchestral and rock group ensemble with stunning video technology, wonderful live stage performances and futuristic props in what must have been a highly complex but beautifully achieved work.
Wayne’s updated re-interpretation of the HG Well’s novel is a pyrotechnic and special effects extravaganza, with a very impressive array of stars filling the well-known roles. Marti Pellow competently lends his vast stage experience as The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist, with popular tracks The Eve of The War and Forever Autumn, accompanied by an authentic fall of autumnal leaves.
Will Stapleton, vocalist of UK rock band Jettblack, tackles The Voice of Humanity on Thunder Child – as mankind faces imminent doom from the Martian invaders.
Jason Donovan portrays a flummoxed, battered and bruised Parson Nathaniel – with Kerry Ellis as his wife, Beth - as both try to remain forthright and optimistic, despite the growing and gnawing approach of despair resulting from the alien destruction of all human life.
Neeson appears on screen as George Herbert, replacing the late Richard Burton as The Journalist and adds weight and authority to the proceedings.
However the bravura performance has to be from Ricky Wilson as the Artilleryman. The lead singer of Kaiser Chiefs is truly outstanding, as he enthusiastically eats the role and utterly dominates the stage – he genuinely is breathtakingly brilliant.
The main man however is Jeff Wayne. The entire project is a triumph. Superbly written, staged and played – it is a testament to his genius and unerring talent. Out of this world? Indeed.
