The Moody Blues' Justin Hayward returns for Jeff Wayne's musical War of The Worlds 2022 UK arena tour
30 September 2021, 12:22 | Updated: 3 October 2021, 13:52
Kevin Clifton, Duncan James and Claire Richards also join the cast for the return of The War of The Worlds – Alive on Stage!
Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds – Alive on Stage! will return to UK arenas in 2022.
The 'Life Begins Again' tour features an all-star cast, with newcomers including Kevin Clifton from Strictly Come Dancing as The Artilleryman, Blue's Duncan James as Parson Nathaniel, and Steps' Claire Richards as Beth, The Parson's Wife.
The Moody Blues' Justin Hayward will return as The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist, and tickets are on sale now.
Justin Hayward - "Forever Autumn" (Live)
"I'm very happy to be back as part of The War of the World's family," Hayward said.
"Wherever I go in the world, 'Forever Autumn', along with 'Nights in White Satin', is one of the songs that people know and love, and as a singer it’s a joy to perform.
"This production is sure to be spectacular, and the music as wonderful as ever. I'm looking forward to it all very much."
Jeff Wayne said of the show's return of his show after COVID-19 lockdowns: "Let's hope that like HG's Martians, this horrible disease will be permanently defeated, and life will not just begin again, but stay forevermore.
"For me, conducting world class artists and musicians surrounded by some of the most exciting technology imaginable, is always pure magic."
Also appearing are Nathan James as The Voice of Humanity and Anna Marie Wayne as Carrie, The Journalist's Fiancée.
Liam Neeson returns as The Journalist in 3D Holography, while Jeff Wayne himself will be conducting the eight-piece Black Smoke Band and symphonic ULLAdubULLA Strings.
Claire Richards said: "To be a part of such an iconic production is so exciting, and I'm really looking forward to getting back out on the road next year."
Jeff Wayne, Richard Burton, Justin Hayward - Forever Autumn (Official Audio)
Kevin Clifton added: "After so long without live performance, what better experience could there be than this spectacular arena production complete with a full live onstage orchestra and special effects."
Duncan James said: "I have always been a fan of Jeff Wayne and to get to work with such a legend is a dream come true, and I am thrilled to work alongside an incredible cast.
"I honestly cannot wait to be back on the road and performing again."
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Nathan James said: "I am so excited to be back touring with Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds as The Voice of Humanity.
"I had so much fun on the last tour and it's a real honour to know Jeff enjoyed my version of 'Thunder Child' enough to bring me back again!"
Jeff Wayne - #TheEveOfTheWar News Report: The Red Weed
The full 2022 area tour dates are as follows:
- March 23 – Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
- March 24 – Birmingham Resorts World Arena
- March 26 – Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
- March 27 – Brighton Centre
- March 28 – Brighton Centre
- March 29 – Bournemouth International Centre
- March 30 – Bournemouth International Centre
- April 1 – Manchester AO Arena
- April 2 – Glasgow The SSE Hydro
- April 3 – Leeds First Direct Arena
- April 5 – Hull Bonus Arena
- April 6 – Liverpool M&S Arena
- April 7 – Newcastle Utilita Arena
- April 9 – London The O2
Jeff Wayne's double album version of HG Wells' The War of The Worlds was released in 1978 and featured Richard Burton, Justin Hayward, David Essex, Chris Thompson and Julie Covington.
It was first performed live in London in 2006, and has since toured the world several times over.
In 2012, the New Generation double album version of the musical was released featuring a new cast including Liam Neeson, Take That’s Gary Barlow, Joss Stone. Maverick Sabre, Alex Claire and Kaiser Chiefs' Ricky Wilson.
