Enter Shikari’s Rou Reynolds joins the cast of Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Spirit of Man Tour 2025. Rou Reynolds follows in the footsteps of Jason Donovan and Kaiser Chief’s, Ricky Wilson, as he transforms into the enigmatic Artilleryman.

“I first discovered Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds through my dad and uncle, who grew up being blown away by the original double album,” comments Rou. “Their great respect and enthusiasm for Jeff’s work makes it a true honour to be involved. I’m excited to be playing the role of The Artilleryman and stepping into the shoes of luminaries such as David Essex, Ricky Wilson, Adam Garcia and all those who’ve played the role before me.”

The Wanted’s Max George and ex-Eastender’s Maisie Smith, met and fell in love on the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing, now they’ll be playing the married couple Parson Nathaniel & wife Beth, in the iconic Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds ‘The Spirit of Man’ arena tour in 2025. 

The announcement unleashes a series of ‘firsts’, as we hear Maisie sing for the first time, Max act for the first time – as well as this being a monumental first for The War of The Worlds, as Jeff Wayne casts a real-life couple into this marriage of Nathaniel and Beth.  The role of Nathaniel has previously been played by Jason Donovan and Blue’s Duncan James, whilst Steps’ Claire Richards and singer Kerry Ellis have filled the past roles of Beth in early Jeff Wayne live productions of TWOTW.

“The moment I met Max & Maisie I knew they were the perfect fit for the role of Nathaniel and Beth,” says Jeff Wayne.  “Maisie has such a melodic but powerful voice, which compliments Max’s dramatic vocals wonderfully.  Plus, being a couple in real life will add to their on-stage charisma and chemistry, and I’m delighted they’ve joined the 2025 The Spirit of Man Tour as husband and wife.”

“I am thrilled to announce my involvement in the iconic show that is Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds.  This is a particularly special role for me because I grew up listening to the soundtrack on my dad's vinyl.  My family are HUGE fans of the show so telling them I was going to be playing Beth was a very memorable moment,” Maisie Smith.

“I'm absolutely buzzing to be a part of Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds. It’s a show I’ve always been a fan of and was introduced to the music when I was five. My mum absolutely loves it. Playing the part of Parson Nathaniel is gonna be really special. I’ve got big shoes to fill with the likes of Phil Lynott and Jason Donovan playing the roles in the past, but I’m looking forward to making this role my own,” says Max George.

 

Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds is back with a monumental new 17-date (19 shows) UK and Ireland arena tour, arriving just in time to celebrate 130 years since the publication of HG WELLS’ dark Victorian tale. Conducted by Jeff Wayne and featuring Liam Neeson in 3D holography as The Journalist, who recounts his story of survival from the Martian invasion of 1898. 

The tour will feature an exciting new cast to star alongside Max George and Maisie Smith – further names to be announced over the coming months.  One of the most trailblazing arena tours of all time, Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds (TWOTW) ‘The Spirit of Man Tour’ returns with a musical spectacular like none other, with the production remaining a favourite to millions around the world, exciting audiences of all ages. 

In 2006, TWOTW was already considered a cutting-edge production with six trucks filled to the brim. By 2025, marking 19 years of live touring, the production will be up to 12 trucks, with a host of new ingredients and special effects to challenge and excite the senses..

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds – a musical experience not to be missed. Get your tickets for this amazing show now!

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