It was maybe five years ago when I jumped at the chance to see this show on its 'final tour'.
I imagine Jeff has nowhere to store a 30-feet Martian Fighting Machine so thankfully the show keeps touring and we all get the opportunity to get immersed in this spectacular story telling extravaganza.
Based on the HG Wells 1897 novel of martians invading Earth, Jeff’s musical version was first released some 44 years ago, and with many tweaks over the decades the elaborate stage show has stood the test of time and has a new and fresh feel.
The two-night stint at Bournemouth sees Jeff leading the ULLAdubULLA symphonic strings and the 8-piece Black Smoke Band in a mash-up of classical and rock music styles synergised with a highly technical and visual stage show with a stellar cast of actors and singers.
Old favourites, Nathan James as the Voice of Humanity and Wayne’s daughter Anna-Marie Wayne as the journalist’s fiancée Carrie are joined by Blue’s Duncan James and Steps’ Claire Richards playing Parson Nathanial and his wife Beth.
Liam Neeson continues the role as the narrating Journalist in projected hologram form and I was super excited to see Justin Haywood reprise his original role of Sung Thoughts of the Journalist.
Having been a big Strictly fan over the years I was intrigued as to how Kevin Clifton would perform as the Artilleryman.
Nothing to worry about there – for me, his was the standout performance of the night putting his heart and soul into every scene and vocal performance.
The Windsor Hall crowd, largely 'of the time' with some dressed in Victorian garb, looked on in wonder as the story unfolded through song, holograms and projections onto a 100 foot wide screen across the back of the stage.
Things heated up (quite literally) as the 30 foot Martian fighting machine emitted heat rays over the first few rows of the audience and left the front of the stage dancing in flames as war unfolded (I imagine there were a few singed eyebrows being painted back onto faces the following morning).
The interval gave us chance to re-group and the senses chance to recover for the next onslaught – which came thick and fast.
The second half delivered lots more pyromania and visual effects but was more focussed on individual stories; The Parson losing his wife as well as his mind and the Artilleryman’s misguided desire to build an underground civilisation which was largely told from a huge mental gantry lowered over the audience.
The musicians and actors each gave a phenomenal performance and richly deserved the standing ovation from the appreciative Windsor Hall crowd.
This enthralling spectacular show is a must-see performance for all generations whether it be for the first time, or you have seen it many times before.
My favourite night of the year so far. Brilliant.
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