Today, composer and producer Jeff Wayne and singer/actor, Max George, confirm that Max is fit and well to join the cast of The War of The World’s* ‘The Spirit of Man Tour’, when it hits the road for its 21-date UK and European tour, next week in Hull on 28 March. Max George, who was rushed to hospital just before last Christmas with heart complications that required a pace-maker, has since made a steady recovery, and has completed the robust tour rehearsals for The War of The Worlds over the past couple of weeks.
“What a wonderful announcement to make,” comments Jeff, “to be able to say that Max is fit again and joining us on this fantastic UK and European tour. Max’s health has been our key priority since he became ill, but under doctor’s guidance, he’s managed to fight his way back to fitness. Max is a born fighter, and we’re delighted he’s back to good health and able to tour with us.”
Max George comments: “Hey everyone! I’m absolutely buzzing that I’m still able to perform as Parson Nathaniel in The War of The Worlds. Obviously, the last few months have been rough, but after a lot of hard work and rehabilitation, I’m back to my best and I’ll be performing throughout the whole tour. Getting to do this with Maisie is an experience I’m sure I’ll never forget.”
Max joined the cast of Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds tour back in April 2024, alongside real-life girlfriend, Maisie Smith, who will be playing his on-stage wife, Beth. Their announcement was a first for The War of The Worlds, with Jeff Wayne casting a real-life couple. This will also be the first time Max & Maisie perform together since their relationship began. The role of Parson Nathaniel has previously been played by Russel Watson, Jason Donovan and Blue’s Duncan James, whilst Steps’ Claire Richards and West End singers Kerry Ellis and Carrie Hope Fletcher have filled the past roles of Beth in early live productions of TWOTW.
Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds brings with a monumental new 19-date (21 shows) UK and Ireland & Europe 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 also feature exciting new cast members to star alongside Max and Maisie, including Busted and Fightstar’s Charlie Simpson as The Sung Thoughts of the Journalist, and Enter Shikari’s frontman Rou Reynolds, as The Artilleryman along with returning cast members, Nathan James and Anna-Marie Wayne.
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 including its iconic 35-foot 3-tonne Martian Fighting Machine that fires its Heat Ray of real flames over the audience. Now, 2025 marks 19 years of live touring and 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 – The Spirit of Man Tour a musical experience not to be missed, and made extra special as Max George confirms he’s fit and well, and ready to battle the Martians.
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
Wed 23 April. Oberhausen Rudolf Weber Arena
