Max George & Maisie Smith to star in Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds Arena tour The Spirit of Man in 2025

Initial casting has been announced for the new 2025 arena tour of Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds ‘The Spirit of Man’.

The show will star The Wanted’s Max George and former Eastenders star Maisie Smith, who met and fell in love on the 2020 series of BBC talent show Strictly Come Dancing.

In the show they play married couple Parson Nathaniel & wife Beth.

The role of Nathaniel has previously been played by Russel Watson, Jason Donovan and Blue’s Duncan James, whilst Steps’ Claire Richards and singer Kerry Ellis have filled the past roles of Beth in early live productions of The War of the Worlds.

Jeff Wayne’s musical version of The War of The Worlds is back in a new 17-date UK and Ireland arena tour, celebrating 130 years since the publication of HG Wells’ dark Victorian tale.

Conducted by Jeff Wayne, the show also features Liam Neeson in 3D holography as The Journalist, who recounts his story of survival from the Martian invasion of 1898.

Further casting is to be announced.

Jeff Wayne said in a statement: “Maisie has such a melodic but powerful voice, which compliments Max’s dramatic and soulful vocals wonderfully. Plus, being a couple in real life will add to their on-stage charisma and chemistry, and I’m delighted they’ve joined the 2025 The Spirit of Man Tour as husband and wife.”

Maisie Smith said: “I am thrilled 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 because I grew up listening to the soundtrack on my dad’s vinyl. My family are HUGE fans of the show so telling them I was going to be playing Beth was a very memorable moment.”

Max George said: “I’m absolutely buzzing 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. Playing the part of Parson Nathaniel is gonna be really special. I’ve got big shoes to fill with the likes of Phil Lynott and Jason Donovan playing the roles in the past, but I’m looking forward to making this role my own.”