Page 1 of Jeff Wayne`s War Of The Worlds Live

Went to see this in Glasgow on Saturday night. Outstanding stuff!

48piece orchestra conducted by Wayne, alongside a fair whack of the musicians from the original album (Herbie Flowers et al) and guest appearances from Justin Hayward on Forever Autumn (a little iffy to begin with but soon got into it), Chris Thompson on Thunder Child (cracking pipes, gave it his all) and Russell Watson taking Phil Lynott`s role as The Parson on Spirit Of Man (and doing a surprisingly good job) alongside some other fine actor / singers (whose names I sadly can`t remember) as Beth and The Artilleryman (what, no David Essex?).

Add to that a big f*ck-off screen behind them all showing pre-filmed scenes and CGI of the invasion itself to help tell the story, a 30ft Martian tripod lowered from the roof onto the stage for most of the show, and a model head suspended from the roof onto which was projected Richard Burton as he narrated the story and you have a thoroughly entertaining night out.

The music was first class, with an album like that when you`ve heard it as often as I have you know it by heart and these guys were note-perfect. Sounded so full and rich - as soon as Burton`s `...and slowly, and surely, they drew their plans against us...` ended and the opening of Eve Of The War kicked in you knew it was going to be great.

Anyone else seen it yet? According to the flyers they were handing out as we left the DVD is out in November - gonna be on my Christmas list!

This item was edited on Tuesday, 25th April 2006, 21:10

I saw this at Wembley Arena last night - it was fantastic.
They were filming the show for the DVD - which I will definitely be getting :)

Saw it at Wembley too, was great wasn`t it! Though I don`t understand some people who leave before the end, even if they are a minority.

Kinda had the nice mix of naff and cool. :)

Editor
DVD REVIEWER

"The Green Belt policy is a Labour Policy, and we intend to Build on it"
John Prescott

Leaving before the end - not sure what time it ended, but was it to catch last trains/tubes, perhaps? I`ve had to leave gigs early because of that.

It was over at 10ish? 10:30 at the latest.

Editor
DVD REVIEWER

"The Green Belt policy is a Labour Policy, and we intend to Build on it"
John Prescott

No excuse then.

:( I hope he does this again-it was on round here when we were on holiday-it sounds fantastic-I hope the DVD captures the atmosphere.

And if you`re reading this Jeff-can you come back to the NEC next year?


Sue Davies

I got tickets for the Wembley one for the other half, she commented on people leaving early as well, people put on a great show for you and you don`t bother to applaud them >:(



Still Grinning ;) - August 15th 2006