We have had two cataclysmic world wars, but neither quite compare to the alien invasion we faced at the end of the nineteenth century when H.G. Wells wrote
War of the Worlds. Fortunately for us, unlike the horrors of World War One and World War Two, the hostile forces in this wipeout were purely science fiction. Fiction that went on to inspire a radio play, two films, a television series, and now a musical.
As it takes place on earth, you can't really call it a space opera, but Jeff Wayne's musical version of
The War of the Worlds has all the other requirements ticked off. Inspired by the novel from the very beginning, Wayne's adaptation is a musical, thirty years in the making. He got the rights back in 1975, and released an album of music in 1978. It stayed on the British charts for many years and includes hit songs such as 'The Eve of War' and 'Forever Autumn'.
In 2005
War of the Worlds went from 'page to stage', and has performed many tours. Now it is all coming to an end.
The War of the Worlds: Final Arena Tour starts its European Tour in Dublin, Ireland from the 27th November. It will perform around the UK before heading off to Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Tickets range from £47.85-£75 depending on the seats and theatre (London is always more expensive). The show features amazing special effects and 3D holography, and stars such as Jason Donovan, Westlife's Brian McFadden, and Carrie Hope Fletcher from
Les Miserables'.