A MUSICAL show that is out of this world in every way, lands in Bournemouth next month as part of its special 40th anniversary tour.

Jeff Wayne’s version of The War of the Worlds - Alive on Stage will be based at the BIC for two nights from December 12-13.

The ground-breaking show which has been chilling audiences since 1978, is based on HG Wells’ dark Victorian tale. Once again renowned composer Jeff Wayne returns to the podium to conduct the nine-piece Black Smoke Band and the 36-piece ULLAdubULLA Strings, while Hollywood A-lister Liam Neeson retains his role in 3D holography as The Journalist.

Star of stage and screen Jason Donovan returns to the role of Parson Nathaniel alongside West End actress Carrie Hope Fletcher as Beth, his wife. Actor and theatre star Adam Garcia will debut as The Artilleryman, British singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner will perform The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist, Inglorious front man Nathan James, will play The Voice of Humanity, with Anna-Marie Wayne reprising her role as Carrie, The Journalist’s Fiancée.

Jason Donovan (pictured below) told Leisure Live he was delighted to be re-joining the cast for the special 40th anniversary tour.

“The War of the Worlds has such enduring appeal and its fan base seems to grow and grow. With each tour, the scale, the drama and the special effects get more and more exciting, so I can’t wait to see what Jeff has planned for this spectacular celebration!”

Jeff Wayne’s double album was originally released by CBS Records in 1978, and enjoyed huge success and critical acclaim across the globe selling 15 million records and spending over 330 weeks in the UK album charts.

Actor Adam Garcia said: “I have been waiting to be a part of the live show since it first began in this arena format. Finally I get to be on stage - inside the The War of the Worlds. I’m terribly excited.”

Anna-Marie Wayne added: “The War of The Worlds is obviously very near and dear to my heart and I am so excited to be reprising the role of Carrie again for the 40th anniversary tour!

“I can’t wait for everyone to see how the character has developed since the last tour - lots of new and exciting things!”

The stage set is built around a huge arched bridge running through the centre of the arena, to bring the action closer to the audience for a more captivating and immersive experience.

This latest production which is mixed live in Surround Sound, will once again feature:

* The iconic three-tonne, 35-foot tall Martian fighting machine firing real flame heat rays at the audience

* an 100-foot wide animation wall with two hours of cutting edge CGI

* ground-breaking levitation effects

* the incineration of a cast member in full view of the audience

READER COMPETITION:

As a special offer for Daily Echo readers, we have two pairs of tickets to give away for the show, on either night of your choice, either December 12 or 13.

All you have to do is email your name and daytime telephone number to digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk by 12noon on Wednesday, December 5. Please put The War of the Worlds Reader Offer in the subject headline.

Terms and conditions. Tickets are not for resale. No cash alternative. No late admittance. Newsquest competition terms and conditions also apply see newsquest.co.uk/prize-competition-rules.

The winners’ personal details will be provided to the competition sponsor/s, for the purpose of facilitating the competition prize.

For information regarding how we will process, handle and maintain your data, please visit newsquest.co.uk/privacy-policy/www.newsquest.co.uk/terms-conditions