The War of The Worlds, MEN Arena, Manchester

Following a sell-out tour ion 2006, Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds will be coming to Manchester next month for one night at the MEN Arena.

The show will be overseen by Jeff Wayne himself, who will be conducting music from the 10-piece Black Smoke Band and the 46-piece ULLAdubUlla Strings orchestra.

Also appearing are Moody Blues front-man Justin Hayward in the role of The Sung Thoughts of the Journalists, John Payne of prog-rockers Asia as Parson Nathaniel and Fame Academy's Sinead Quinn as Beth.

Meanwhile, Alexis James from the stage show Les Miserables is The Artilleryman and Chris Thompson of Manfred Mann will assume the role of The Voice of Humanity.

Further highlights will no doubt be provided by a 30-ft high Martian Fighting Machine and special CGI animation sequences.

The War of the Worlds will be taking place on December 17th.

Address: M.E.N. Arena, Hunt's Bank, Manchester, M3 1AR.

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