The War of the
Worlds
Hallam FM
Arena - 29/4/06
For many of us The War of the
Worlds as envisaged by Jeff Wayne's concept album is part of
our childhood. In 1978 it hooked us into its brilliantly
evocative landscape of sound, nobly aided by the mellifluous
voice of the sadly departed but still great Richard Burton.
Our imaginations raged as we listened
to the story unfold and for many, my wife for instance, it was
also one of the most frightening and other worldly of
experiences that they had ever had.
Some 30 years after it was first
conceived of Jeff Wayne's masterpiece has now been transferred
into a live theatrical concept show. Part video, part theatre,
part musical performance and because of the effect on our
imagination of the original it had a lot to live up
to.
Happily I and around 10,000 others
that were crammed into the Hallam FM Arena were treated to the
most marvellous of evenings. Richard Burton's disembodied head
hung from the arena ceiling, his face projected and brought
back to life for the purposes of the project. After initial
doubts that this was the best of ideas we soon accepted it as
the focal point
of the show. Whilst not all the movements of the mouth fitted
the words that were being heard "Richard's brilliant
original recording " most of them did and so it was easy to
accept that this was actually Richard Burton speaking to us.
Indeed, it is quite easy to see that without his marvellous
narration that this may not have been the wonderful work that
it remains today.
Justin Hayward was back to perform
Forever Autumn and was in fine voice, as was Russell Watson as
the Parson (sung originally by Phil Lynott). It was Alexis
James, the artilleryman, who was the real revelation however.
Vocally he sounded very much like David Essex, but with
obviously a much more powerful voice. His acting also added
much to the production, as did Tara Blaise's who played the
Parson's Wife. She too had a fantastic voice and so both of
the lesser known performers gave this production a real
lift.
The backdrop was a huge video screen
that constantly told the story through a series of extremely
imaginative and indeed innovative animations. We were also
treated to a Martian craft landing on stage and shooting
lasers at the audience, who all seemed to thoroughly enjoy the
experience. The orchestra was superb with Jeff Wayne
conducting throughout and everyone deserved the standing
ovations that were handed out at the end of the evening.
All in all
this was perhaps the best large arena experience that I've
ever had. All of the ideas worked marvellously and all the
performers excelled themselves. As Sheffield
was the last date of the tour I cannot advise that all who
read this should rush out to see it - however I can
report that the DVD will be released on November
6th and will make a fantastic gift for anyone who
enjoyed the album all those years
ago.
Written by Paul
Tyree
www.paultyree.co.uk
http://www.thewaroftheworlds.com/
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