Kaiser Chief's star joining War Of The Worlds in Birmingham

Ricky Wilson from the Kaiser Chiefs and Wicked's Kerry Ellis are to join tjhe 2012 tour of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds: The New Generation.

Wilson who is fresh from a world tour with the Kaiser Chiefs will be taking on his first ever performance role as The Artilleryman, originally played by David Essex on Jeff Wayne's classic recording. It is a new challenge for the rock star who grew up listening to Jeff's album.

Sharing the stage, as Beth, is one of the most in demand talents in modern musical theatre - Kerry Ellis. Having received huge acclaim for her roles in West End hits Wicked and We Will Rock You, Kerry is described as the new "First Lady of the West End." Last week, she won a What's On Stage Award for Best Solo performance for her Anthems project and has also recently released her debut album with Queen legend, Brian May.

They will be joining one of the world's finest actors, Liam Neeson, as The Journalist, taking up the 'baton' previously occupied by the late Richard Burton. Liam's 3D holograhic performance will be seen in three separate ways, including the world's first full body hologram, interacting with live performers on stage.

Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds: The New Generation, is at the NIA in Birmingham on Friday, December 7, 2012. Tickets priced at £42.50 and £62.50 plus booking and transaction fees are available at The Ticket Factory - www.theticketfactory.com or 0844 338 8000.

One of the most successful stage shows of recent times, Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds returns to UK for the fifth time since 2006. It is a watershed year for the production – this is The New Generation, with a new of cast, new interpretation of the score and a ground-breaking new production.