Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds continues touring until 15 December
Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds was reviewed at the LG Arena, Birmingham. The show continues to tour until 15 December.
Based on the book by HG Wells, Jeff Wayne’s musical version of The War of the Worlds needs no introduction. With ever increasing popularity spanning multiple generations, it is no wonder the final arena tour is selling out fast.
For a tour with such hype surrounding it, the staging, although impressive at times, lacks the spectacular edge you’d expect to accompany such a masterpiece. Leaves falling in autumn and the giant tripod are a nice touch but there is so much going on in such a big space, and combined with the on-screen graphics, it is hard to know where to look. Wayne and the orchestra and band steal our attention the most, almost rendering the staging and played parts pointless. They could play completely alone on stage in a dark room and the show would still be a resounding success.
As the anticipated signature theme ‘The Eve of the War’ begins, the goosebumps are impossible to rein in. We feel as well as hear each and every sound of the synths and strings as the precision and power of the piece blows the cobwebs off the arena rafters. The wow factor certainly doesn’t fade as the score continues and even just those few notes are as powerful towards the end as they are at the beginning.
The ULLAdubULLA strings are a remarkable group, their timing and grace mesmerising to witness and, alongside the equally talented Black Smoke Band, do the piece every justice it deserves. To take on the task of playing such an iconic musical, live, and to do so with such perfection is astonishing. Wayne himself shows incredible stamina while conducting and his energetic enthusiasm doesn’t waver, he is a delight to watch.
Connection with such a large audience is a tough task and unfortunately one that Brian McFadden seems to fail. His vocals are top notch and fit the part of Sung Thoughts of a Journalist well but his acting is somewhat stiff and the cursory, glazed expressions towards the crowd just aren’t enough to make his performance believable.
Shayne Ward doesn’t get off to a great start as the Artilleryman, and although he succeeds where McFadden fails and connects well with the audience, his voice is often lost in the sound of the orchestra in his first appearance on stage. He does repair any damage done a little later though and proves such a strong role is by no means out of his league.
Jason Donovan, as Parson Nathaniel, is as over the top as you’d expect him to be and captures the dramatic nature of the piece and part well. Carrie Hope Fletcher takes on the role of Parson Nathaniel’s Wife and brings a touch of the West End to the stage. Reminding us of the theatrics of the story, the pair complement each other well.
The use of so many special effects sometimes leaves you with the feeling that Wayne is trying to reinvent a perfectly good wheel, but despite all that the show remains astounding. This really is your last chance to experience The War of the Worlds like you’ve never experienced it before and I urge fans to capture tickets while they can.
Truly out of this world.
Nicole Evans
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