Claire Richards is returning to the stage in 2022 with a starring role in the forthcoming ‘The War of The Worlds’ UK Arena Tour.
The Steps star makes her debut as Beth, The Parson’s Wife, in the show, which kicks off in March 2022 – three months after the group comes off the road with their ‘What The Future Holds’ Tour.
Of securing the part, Claire says: “I am so thrilled to be joining the cast of Jeff Wayne’s ‘The War of The Worlds’ for their 2022 Arena Tour.
“To be a part of such an iconic production is so exciting, and I’m really looking forward to getting back out on the road next year.”
Joining Claire on stage is ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and established West End star Kevin Clifton, who will debut as The Artilleryman. His previous roles include stints in in ‘Rock of Ages’, ‘Dirty Dancing the Musical’ and ‘The Wedding Singer’.
He adds: “I am unbelievably excited to be joining the cast of Jeff Wayne’s ‘The War Of The Worlds’. In 2022 this particular story could not be more relevant.
“After so long without live performance, what better experience could there be than this spectacular arena production complete with a full live onstage orchestra and special effects. ‘Life Begins Again!'”
In 2006, ‘The War Of The Worlds’ was considered a cutting edge production with six trucks filled to the brim – and in 2022, the production will be up to 12, with a host of ingredients and special effects that will challenge and excite the senses for audiences of all ages, all set to Jeff’s iconic score.
The soundtrack, released by CBS Records in 1978 featuring Richard Burton,the Moody Blues Justin Hayward, David Essex, Julie Covington and more, sold over 16 million records world and has spent more than 330 weeks in the UK Album Charts. It achieved two International hit singles – Forever Autumn and The Eve of The War.
In 2012 the ‘New Generation’ double album was released and featured an expanded storyline, with a new cast including: Liam Neeson, Take That’s Gary Barlow, Joss Stone and Kaiser Chief’s Ricky Wilson.
Tickets for all dates of the production are on sale now.
The full list of ‘The War Of The Worlds’ 2022 Arena Tour dates is as follows:
March 2022
23 Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
24 Birmingham Resorts World Arena
26 Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
27 Brighton Centre
28 Brighton Centre
29 Bournemouth International Centre
30 Bournemouth International Centre
April 2022
01 Manchester AO Arena
02 Glasgow The SSE Hydro
03 Leeds First Direct Arena
05 Hull Bonus Arena
06 Liverpool M&s Arena
07 Newcastle Utilita Arena
09 London The O2
