The live version of Jeff Wayne's 1978 bestselling album was brought to the stage in 2006 as part of a sell-out tour of the UK. Filmed at London's Wembley Arena, and using a blend of theatre, music and visual imagery, the production incorporates performers from the original recording, including Justin Hayward, Chris Thompson and Wayne himself. There's also audio and visual elements featuring Richard Burton, as well as the ten-piece Black Smoke Band and the 48-piece Ulladubulla Strings.
Direction
David Mallet merges concert energy with theatrical spectacle seamlessly.
Practical Effects
Live holograms and 50-foot Martian fighting machines, no CGI required.
Sound
48-piece string section versus synthesizers in beautiful sonic warfare.
Director
David Mallet
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Richard Burton recorded his narration in 1978 while visibly drunk; producers kept the slurred takes for their raw desperation.
The 2006 tour coincided with Spielberg's 2005 film, creating a bizarre year where H.G. Wells dominated both blockbuster cinema and prog-rock arenas.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
GB
