Rou Reynolds, vocalist for Enter Shikari, will battle the Martian invasion when he joins the cast of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds for a 17-date tour. The Spirit of Man Tour 2025 will include matinee performances in London and Brighton.
“I first discovered Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds through my dad and uncle,” Rou Reynolds says, “who grew up being blown away by the original double album. Their great respect and enthusiasm for Jeff’s work make 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.”
“Since 2006, when we began touring arenas around the world,” Jeff Wayne says, “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.”
“As exemplified by the path that my band, Enter Shikari, follows, it’s important for me to practice breadth in my art,” Rou says, “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.”
Rou will be joined on The Spirit of Man Tour 2025 by The Wanted’s Max George (Parson Nathaniel) and Maisie Smith (Beth, The Parson’s Wife).
This tour will celebrate 130 years since the publication of HG Wells’ dark Victorian story. Conducted by Jeff Wayne, Liam Neeson will feature in 3D holography as The Journalist, who recounts his story of survival from the Martian invasion of 1898. Further cast to be announced.
In 2006, The War of The Worlds 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.
Tickets are on sale now from here.
The Spirit Of Man Tour 2025
Fri 28 March – Hull Connexin Live
Sun 30March – 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
