Year 2025 war of the Worlds is being reworked and brought to London’s O2 Arena for the first time in years. Based on the legendary story by HG Wells, Jeff Wayne’s operatic show returns to the nation’s capital.
This time, however, it has an all-new cast, and the first celebrities involved have just been announced. Strictly Come Dancing and Eastenders star Maisie Smith will play Beth in the epic show, where she will sing live for the first time.
In addition, she will be joined on stage by her real-life partner, Max George, who is best known for his role in the boy band The Wanted. In the show, he will take on the role of Beth’s husband, Parson Nathaniel. This will be the first project they have worked on together since appearing on the BBC One dance competition.
Speaking of joining war of the Worlds 2025 Maisie said: “I’m proud to announce my involvement in the iconic show that is Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds. This is a particularly special role for me as I grew up listening to the soundtrack on my dad’s vinyl. family are HUGE fans of the show so telling them I was going to play Beth was a very memorable moment.”
Max agreed: “I’m really excited to be a part of Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds. It’s a show I’ve always been a fan of and was introduced to the music when I was five. My mum absolutely loves it. That playing the role of Parson Nathaniel is going to be really special, I have big shoes to fill with the likes of Phil Lynott and Jason Donovan who played the roles before, but I’m looking forward to making this role my own.
Jeff Wayne himself also commented on the casting of the celebrity couple. “When I met Max & Maisie I knew they were the perfect fit for the role of Nathaniel and Beth,” he said. “Maisie has such a melodic yet powerful voice, which compliments Max’s dramatic vocals wonderfully. Also, being a couple in real life will add to their charisma and chemistry on stage, and I’m delighted they’ve joined 2025’s The Spirit of Man Tour as husband and wife.”
The War of the Worlds will tour the country in 2025, with its final stops at London’s O2 Arena, as well as Bournemouth’s Int Centre, Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, Ireland’s 3Arena Dublin and Manchester’s Co-op Live.
Where is War of the Worlds set in the UK?
- Friday 28 March – Hull Connexin Live
- Sunday March 30 – 3Arena Dublin, Ireland
- Tuesday 1st April – Aberdeen P&J Live
- Wednesday 2nd April – Glasgow OVO Hydro
- Thursday 3rd April – Leeds First Direct Arena
- Saturday 5th April – Newcastle Utilita Arena
- Sunday 6th April – Manchester Co-op Live
- Tuesday 8 April – Sheffield Utilita Arena
- Wednesday April 9 – Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
- Thursday 10th April – Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
- Saturday 12 April – Brighton Center (Matinee Show)
- Saturday 12 April – Brighton Center – (evening show)
- Sunday 13th April – Bournemouth Int Centre
- Monday 14th April – Bournemouth Int Centre
- Wednesday April 16 – Cardiff Utilitia Arena
- Thursday 17 April – Cardiff Utilita Arena
- Friday April 18 – Birmingham Resorts World Arena
- Sunday 20 April – London The O2 – (Matinee Show)
- Sunday 20 April – London The O2 – (evening show)
