The winner of The Masked Singer 2023 Busted frontman Charlie Simpson has joined the cast of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds The Spirit of Man Tour 2025. Other cast members are also announced as Anna-Marie Wayne as Carrie, whilst Nathan James takes on the The Voice of Humanity.
Charlie will be playing the role of The Sung Thoughts of the Journalist, which has previously been performed by Gary Barlow, and on tour with Brian McFadden, Marti Pellow and Justin Hayward. Charlie, Anna-Marie and Nathan join a cast alongside, Enter Shikari’s Rou Reynold (The Artilleryman), The Wanted’s Max George (Parson Nathaniel) and Maisie Smith (Beth, The Parson’s Wife).
“When Jeff Wayne called to ask whether I wanted to perform the role of The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist in his next arena tour, I knew I had to rise to the challenge — who wouldn’t want to battle against the Martians?” says Charlie. “The War of The Worlds is one of those iconic pieces of music that’s become a building block in popular culture over the last forty-six years. I have vivid memories of listening to the album during my childhood, and I’m so thrilled that I get to sing ‘The Eve of The War’ and ‘Forever Autumn’ next year on arena stages across the country.”
Jeff Wayne said: “Since we began touring arenas in 2006 with my musical version of TWOTW, I’ve been so fortunate to have attracted a range of artists whose careers I’ve first admired, and then I discover they’re keen to come on board our Martian adventure. In March 2025 when we hit the road, our cast will be full of distinction once again, and I’m happy that I can now announce our last new cast member – Charlie Simpson of Busted and Fightstar fame, who has both a wonderful voice and physical presence that will grace the stage in our coming The Spirit of Man tour as The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist.”
Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds is back with a new 17-date (19 shows) UK and Ireland arena tour, arriving 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.
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.
Tickets on sale now https://myticket.co.uk/artists/jeff-wayne-s-the-war-of-the-worlds
Dates Include:
Fri 28 March Hull Connexin Live
Sun 30 March 3Arena Dublin, Ireland
Tue 1 April Aberdeen P&J Live
Wed 02 April Glasgow OVO Hydro
Thu 03 April Leeds First Direct Arena
Sat 05 April Newcastle Utilita Arena
Sun 06 April Manchester Co-op Live
Tue 08 April Sheffield Utilita Arena
Wed 09 April Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
Thu 10 April Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
Sat 12 April Brighton Centre – matinee & evening
Sun 13 April Bournemouth Int Centre
Mon 14 April Bournemouth Int Centre
Wed 16 April Cardiff Utilitia Arena
Thu 17 April Cardiff Utilita Arena
Fri 18 April Birmingham Resorts World Arena
Sun 20 April London The O2 – matinee & evening