JEFF WAYNE’S Musical Version of The War of the Worlds will be performed at the First Direct Arena in Leeds as part of a national tour.

The tour will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of Jeff Wayne’s original double album, which sold more than 50 million records and spent 330 weeks in the UK album charts.

As well as number one placings in the album charts in 11 countries, there were also two international hit singles, Forever Autumn and The Eve of The War.

A spokesman said: “Jeff Wayne’s musical version of The War of The Worlds has grown into a true classic, acquiring new generations of devoted followers since its original release.

“The live show features Liam Neeson in 3-D holography as The Journalist, and Jeff Wayne himself will be back on the podium to conduct the nine-piece Black Smoke Band and 36-piece ULLAdubULLA strings.

“Built around a huge arched bridge running through the centre of the arena, the set brings the action closer to the audience for a most captivating and immersive experience. This production, 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.”

There will also be a 100-foot wide ‘Animation Wall’ with two hours of cutting edge CGI, a ground-breaking levitation effect, the incineration of a cast member in full view of the audience, and leaves dropping on the audience.

The show is at the First Direct Arena on December 4, 2018. Visit livenation.co.uk to book tickets.