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The Art Deco frontage of Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street
Photo: Rodhullandemu via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds Live

The iconic 1978 concept double album comes to Hope Street in concert format, pairing West End vocalists with a live orchestra, synthesizers and dramatic giant-screen animations.

Philharmonic Hall · Hope Street · 19 Oct

Faithful live concert rendition of the complete 1978 double albumFeatures classics "The Eve of the War" and "Forever Autumn"Live symphonic orchestra and rock rhythm sectionTickets from £45 to £85
L1Local Event Briefing

The iconic 1978 concept double album comes to Hope Street in concert format, pairing West End vocalists with a live orchestra, synthesizers and dramatic giant-screen animations.

📍 Philharmonic Hall📅 19 Oct🚆 Liverpool Central

Overview & what to expect

Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds is one of the most successful concept albums of all time, having sold millions of copies worldwide since 1978. In this special concert staging, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall hosts a faithful live orchestral performance of the entire double album.

The production pairs a symphonic orchestra and rock rhythm section with vintage synthesizers, creating the distinctive sonic landscape that defined progressive rock in the late 1970s. West End vocalists bring to life the Journalist, the Parson, and the Artilleryman, singing beloved hits including "The Eve of the War" and "Forever Autumn".

Synchronised widescreen CGI animations and original artwork from the album sleeve project behind the musicians, immersing the audience in H.G. Wells' chilling tale of Martian invasion.

Concert timetable

19:00
Doors open

Foyer bars and merchandise stands open

19:30
Act One: The Coming of the Martians

The Eve of the War, Horsell Common and Forever Autumn

20:35
Interval

20-minute interval

20:55
Act Two: The Earth Under the Martians

Thunder Child, The Red Weed, Brave New World and Epilogue

22:00
Concert ends

Approximate finish time

  • Single performance only on Monday 19 October 2026.
  • Full seated auditorium with reserved seating.

Venue essentials & visiting advice

Age requirements

Recommended for ages 8 and above. Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.

Entry & admission

Contactless and card payments only throughout Philharmonic bars.

Bag restrictions

Security searches on entry; small bags permitted; cloakroom available on ground floor for coats and umbrellas.

Payment methods

Card and contactless only throughout bars and box office.

Content & special effects guidance

  • Features loud synth and rock instrumentation, dramatic invasion imagery, and stage lighting effects.

Where to eat & drink nearby

The Philharmonic Dining Rooms

Grade I listed Victorian pub with historic tiling

🚶 Directly opposite on Hope StreetLocal guide →

The Pen Factory

Small plates and courtyard drinks

🚶 2 min walk down Hope StreetWebsite ↗

The Quarter

Falkner Street cafe, pizza and bakery

🚶 4 min walkWebsite ↗

Looking for more? Browse independent spots across Liverpool in our L1Directory.

Getting there & getting home

Nearest Merseyrail station: Liverpool Central (10 min walk) or Lime Street (14 min walk)

  • Walk up Mount Pleasant towards the Georgian Quarter.
  • Bus route 86 stops directly outside the Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street.
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before 19:30 to clear bag checks and collect drinks.

Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, L1 9BP

Get directions on OpenStreetMap ↗

Related Liverpool guides

Dates, times and prices can change. We recommend confirming with the venue before travelling. Spotted something out of date? Tell us, or see our corrections policy. See more Liverpool events →

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