JEFF WAYNE’S WAR OF THE WORLDS 2025
CO-OP LIVE, MANCHESTER – 06-04-25
REVIEW BY JOHN A GILMAN
Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds Live – 6 April 2025 – Co-op Live, Manchester
A long time ago—longer than I’d care to admit—my twelve-year-old self stumbled upon a double vinyl album that would change the way I thought about music forever. Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds, with its striking illustrated booklet and sweeping, cinematic sound, ignited a lifelong love of music and is, in many ways, the reason I find myself writing this today.
The haunting tones of Richard Burton’s narration, the commanding presence of Phil Lynott, and the melancholy beauty of Justin Hayward’s voice formed the soundtrack to my adolescence. Back then, the idea of experiencing War of the Worlds live was the stuff of fantasy. It was just too big—too ambitious to ever take the stage in full. But tonight, in Manchester’s Co-op Live arena, that long-cherished dream came vividly, thunderously, and gloriously to life.
From the moment you step into the venue, there’s a palpable buzz in the air. The anticipation builds steadily as the stage begins to fill—first with the members of the large orchestra, then with the thunderous applause for the man himself, Jeff Wayne, who takes his place at the helm like the captain of a great musical ship about to set sail.
And what a ship it is.
This production is massive. Towering screens, a descending Martian fighting machine that breathes fire and smoke, an elevated walkway that emerges from the rafters, and the ever-watchful presence of Liam Neeson—as the holographic Journalist, guiding us through the alien invasion. Visually and sonically, this is a masterclass in immersive theatre-meets-concert.
When that opening narration—“No one would have believed…”—echoes through the arena, the crowd is instantly transported. It’s like reuniting with a long-lost friend. We all know the journey ahead, and yet, seeing it brought to life like this feels thrillingly fresh. The first song, “The Eve of the War”, kicks things off with power and elegance, led by Charlie Simpson (of Busted and Fightstar), who takes on the Sung Thoughts of the Journalist. While his voice is distinct from Hayward’s iconic tone, Simpson brings a rich, emotive presence that carries the role beautifully.
One of the most impressive aspects of this production is how faithfully it captures the spirit of the original 1978 album while breathing new life into it. Jeff Wayne remains the unshakable anchor at the center of the storm, conducting the sprawling ensemble with precision and passion. His ability to balance bombast with intimacy, storytelling with spectacle, is remarkable.
Liam Neeson’s performance, though holographic, is commanding and lends gravitas to the narrative. It’s a clever modern twist that blends seamlessly with the retro-futuristic aesthetic.
This year’s cast refresh brings some exciting younger talent into the mix. Rou Reynolds (Enter Shikari) brings restless energy and ambition to the role of the Artilleryman, while Max George (The Wanted) and Maisie Smith take on the tormented Parson Nathaniel and his devoted wife, Beth. Their real-life relationship adds an authentic intimacy to their scenes together—especially during the searing “The Spirit of Man”—which makes their emotional unraveling all the more affecting. Nathan James once again shines as the Voice of Humanity, delivering vocals that are both fierce and soaring, capturing the full scale of human resistance and fragility.
Of course, everyone has their own favourite moments from the album—for many it’s the outstanding “Forever Autumn.” And yes, it was as beautiful and heartbreaking as ever. Even without Justin Hayward, the track retains its ability to stop time, to transport you to that windswept, leaf-blown world of lost love and impending doom. Other standouts included the dramatic “Thunder Child” and the ominously creeping “Red Weed,” which still sends shivers down the spine.
This is not your standard concert—this is a fully-fledged theatrical experience. The lighting, pyrotechnics, projections, and sound design come together in a way that makes it feel like something more: a moment. And after nearly 50 years, that this concept album continues to draw such huge audiences—selling out arenas and touching generations old and new—is a testament to the enduring power of its story, its music, and the incredible vision of Jeff Wayne.
No one would have believed, indeed.
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ACT ONE: The Coming of the Martians
HG Wells Intro
1. The Eve of the War
2. Horsell Common and the Heat Ray
3. The Artilleryman & the Fighting Machine
4. Forever Autumn
5. Thunder Child
ACT TWO: The Earth Under the Martians
HG Wells Intro Pt. 2
6. Forever Autumn (Reprise)
7. The Red Weed Pt. 1
8. The Spirit of Man
9. The Red Weed Pt. 2
10. The Artilleryman Returns
11. Brave New World
12. Life Begins Again
13. Dead London Pt. 1
14. Dead London Pt. 2
HG Wells Outro
15. Epilogue Pt. 1 (Life Begins Again)
16. Epilogue Pt. 2 (NASA)
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UK Cast – 2025 ‘Spirit of Man’ Tour:
• Max George (The Wanted) – Parson Nathaniel
• Maisie Smith – Beth, the Parson’s Wife
• Rou Reynolds (Enter Shikari) – The Artilleryman
• Charlie Simpson (Busted/Fightstar) – Sung Thoughts of the Journalist
• Nathan James – The Voice of Humanity
• Anna-Marie Wayne – Carrie, the Journalist’s Fiancée
• Liam Neeson – The Journalist (3D Hologram)