Kaiser Chiefs’ Ricky Wilson will star in Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of ‘The War of the Worlds – The New Generation’.
The singer will take on the role of The Artilleryman originally played by David Essex while ‘Wicked’ star Kelly Ellis has also signed up, taking on the part of Beth in the production, which will be staged on an arena tour in Ireland, the UK and Europe in 2012 and 2013.
Composer/Producer, Jeff Wayne, said: ”Over the years, I’ve been so fortunate to have had the participation of some truly great artists. For me, the real bonus is that I’ve always been a true fan of those who I’ve approached and when they’ve come on board, to me it’s not been ‘work’, just great fun. Already, Ricky Wilson and Kerry Ellis, the first two guest artists for our New Generation tour fall into that category. Ricky because of his command on stage with the wonderful Kaiser Chiefs, and Kerry who I saw in the original production of ‘Wicked’ in London’s West End, whose voice and charismatic performance drew the audience to her like a magnet. I welcome them both to ‘The War of the Worlds’.”
Kerry added: ”The moment I got the call from Jeff Wayne I started to get excited about the prospect of joining the cast of ‘The War of The Worlds’. Growing up I remember listening to the iconic sound track on cassette (yes cassette!) and loving the musical story. Now I get the chance to play Beth and be part of the newly adapted show which is a dream.”
They will join Liam Neeson as The Journalist, with the actor appearing in the stage show in three guises – as a full body hologram, as a 3.5 metre tall holographic floating head and shoulders, and as part of a two hour CGI film, which accompanies the production.
The show will kick off its UK tour in Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Saturday December 1.