The Chances of Anything Coming From Mars…

I love War of the Worlds. I’m not talking about the over-hollywoodised version with that Tom Cruise, but Jeff Wayne’s amazing 70s musical! So much better. Mainly because of the lack of Tom and addition of David Essex. Much much closer to the original book (at least it’s set in London) which, by the way, you should read. I imagine it was hella scary when it came out. Those Victorians loved doom and gloom.

But Jeff Wayne’s musical War of the Worlds literally defined my childhood. My mum had it on vinyl and I remember hearing it for the first time… it made my brother cry and he still can’t listen to it! Aw. I think it’s the scary ‘Ulla’ noises. Which are pretty terrifying. When you’re 9. There are so many classic songs in it and the production of it really was amazing; with brilliant narration from the late Richard Burton. A full on prog-rock/70s-esque musical journey back in time, you just have to listen to it. You can buy it on CD here.

It’s being performed this winter in London and stars Jason Donovan, Atomic Kitten’s Liz McClarnon (er) and X Factor’s Rhydian, and I reeeeaally need to see it. So bad. Jeff Wayne is actually conducting it too. What caught my eye however, and why I’m going on about it, is this cool little experiential marketing ploy for it:

Bemused Primrose Hill residents found themselves in the middle of a scene from the War of the Worlds as they awoke to the sound of cars being crushed… The “crime scene” — which included alien footprints and a mocked up police sign — was to promote the musical and I think it’s great – theatre posters just don’t cut it anymore. A story of this epicness (that’s not a word) and devastation really cries out for some real-world stunts to draw the imagination and portray what a mesmerising story it is. It was in Primrose Hill because it’s significanct to the story – the base for the Martian fighting machines while they try to conquer mankind. Oooer.