Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
Enter Shikari’s Rou Reynolds to join cast of Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Spirit of Man Tour 2025
Hot off the back of a UK arena tour, and sell-out date at Wembley this year, Enter Shikari’s Rou Reynolds* confirms he’ll be putting his vocal weight towards battling the Martian invasion, as he announces he’s joining the cast of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds** The Spirit of Man Tour 2025. Rou will be playing the role of The Artilleryman, which has previously been performed by Jason Donovan, Kevin Clifton, Adam Garcia, David Essex, and Kaiser Chief’s, Ricky Wilson to name a few. Rou joins an all-star cast alongside The Wanted’s Max George (Parson Nathaniel) and Maisie Smith (Beth, The Parson’s Wife) – further cast to be announced.
I first discovered Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds through my dad and uncle, who grew up being blown away by the original double album,” comments Rou. “Their great respect and enthusiasm for Jeff’s work makes it a true honour to be involved. I’m excited to be playing the role of The Artilleryman and stepping into the shoes of luminaries such as David Essex, Ricky Wilson, Adam Garcia and all those who’ve played the role before me. As exemplified by the path that my band, Enter Shikari, follows, it’s important for me to practice breadth in my art, and keep pushing myself. I understand that performing in a musical production isn’t the sort of thing people from our scene normally do, but my band has never paid much attention to what is expected of us. I relish this challenge. Jeff said: “Since 2006 when we began touring arenas around the world, I’ve always been thrilled to welcome what is now a long list of great artists. This coming tour, for the role of The Artilleryman, I reached out to the lead singer of the wonderful Enter Shikari – Rou Reynolds – a massive talent whose voice thrills, and his personality matches. He will create his own interpretation of the enigmatic Artilleryman.
Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds is back with a monumental new 17-date (19 shows) UK and Ireland arena tour, arriving just 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.
The tour will feature an exciting new cast to star alongside Rou Reynolds, including The Wanted’s Max George and Maisie Smith – further names will be announced over the coming months. One of the most trailblazing arena tours of all time, Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds (TWOTW) ‘The Spirit of Man Tour’ returns with a musical spectacular like none other, with the production remaining a favourite to millions around the world, exciting audiences of all ages.
In 2006, TWOTW was already considered a cutting-edge production with six trucks filled to the brim. 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 to challenge and excite the senses..
Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds – a musical experience not to be missed.
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
For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/thewaroftheworlds
https://www.instagram.com/twotw_official
Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of
THE WAR OF THE WORLDS
Based upon the classic science fiction story by HG Wells
Adapted by Doreen Wayne
Composed, arranged, conducted and produced by
Jeff Wayne
Lyrics by
Gary Osborne (‘Thunder Child’, ‘The Spirit of Man’, and ‘Brave New World’
Paul Vigrass and Gary Osborne (‘Forever Autumn’)
Jeff Wayne (‘The Eve of The War’ and ‘Life Begins Again’)
*Rou Reynolds is the founding member of Enter Shikari, a UK band who defy all efforts at genre classification; sliding between pop, post-hardcore, drum and bass, epic electronic soundscapes and full-throttle punk rock (often within the space of one song), while the lyrics of Rou Reynolds veer from scathing political commentary one minute to heart-on-sleeve personal confession the next. Seven studio albums have been released in the sixteen years their launch, with each of the albums debuting in the top 10 of the UK Album Charts. Enter Shikari’s most recent album, “A Kiss For The Whole World”, shot to No1 in the Album Chart, as well as their highest-ever German album chart entry thus far. The band’s commitment to extensive world touring has seen them climbing the bills at major festivals worldwide, whilst regularly filling UK arenas.
Along the way, Rou and the band have picked up several ‘Best Album’ and ‘Best Live Band’ awards from the likes of Kerrang Magazine, NME, Rock Sound and the UK’s Association Of Independent Music. 2021 also saw Rou pick up a Best Production’ award at the UK’s Heavy Music Awards for his production of Enter Shikari’s 2020 album “Nothing Is True And Everything Is Possible”. Parallel to Rou’s career as frontman, vocalist, songwriter and producer for Enter Shikari, he has also had four books of writing published by Faber Music.
**The War of The Worlds: Jeff Wayne’s musical version of HG Wells’ classic novel ‘The War of The Worlds’ is one of the best-selling musical works of all time. To date it has sold over 16 million records around the world and has been adapted into several foreign language versions. It has charted in no less than 22 countries, been number 1 in 11 of them and achieved gold or platinum status in all but 5, including 13 times platinum in the UK, 13 times platinum in Australia and 14 times platinum in New Zealand. The double album was re-imagined in 2012, called ‘JWMVofTWOTW: The New Generation’ and featured Liam Neeson, Take That’s Gary Barlow, Joss Stone, Kaiser Chief’s Ricky Wilson and others. The musical work has toured globally since 2006 performing in arenas such as London’s O2 and Manchester Arena. JWMVofTWOTW played an extended Season in 2016 of 86 shows at The Dominion Theatre in London’s West End and released the best-selling Audible Original Musical Drama starring Michael Sheen, Taron Egerton, Theo James and Adrian Edmondson in 2018. A multi-award-winning Immersive Experience, originally booked for a 3-month season, has now completed its 5th year and has recently been extended for a further 2 years with an updated production being launched in July 2024.
Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of TWOTW – The Immersive Experience features VR, AR, holographic performances and live actors, all set to Jeff’s iconic work.