Max George and Maisie Smith to star in Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds 2025 tour, with date at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena
The Wanted's Max George and ex-Eastender's Maisie Smith, who fell in love on Strictly, are set to be the first real-life couple to play married pair in an iconic musical.
The pair met and fell in love on the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing — and are taking on the roles of Parson Nathaniel and wife Beth in the iconic Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds ‘The Spirit of Man' arena tour in 2025.
2025’s tour will have a series of firsts, as audiences hear Maisie sing for the first time and Max act for the first time.
The role of Nathaniel has previously been played by Jason Donovan and Blue's Duncan James, whilst Steps' Claire Richards and singer Kerry Ellis have filled the past roles of Beth in early Jeff Wayne live productions of The War of The Worlds.
"The moment I met Max and Maisie I knew they were the perfect fit for the role of Nathaniel and Beth," said Jeff Wayne.
"Maisie has such a melodic but powerful voice, which compliments Max's dramatic 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."
Maise Smith added: "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."
Jeff Wayne's musical version of The War of The Worlds will be on a 17-date, 19 show UK and Ireland arena tour — just in time to celebrate 130 years since the publication of HG Wells' dark Victorian tale.
It is conducted by Jeff Wayne and will feature an exciting new cast to star alongside Max George and Maisie Smith — including Liam Neeson in 3D holography as The Journalist, who recounts his story of survival from the Martian invasion of 1898.
One of the most trailblazing arena tours of all time, Jeff Wayne's musical version of The War of The Worlds ‘The Spirit of Man Tour' returns with a musical spectacular like none other — with the production remaining a favourite to millions around the world, exciting audiences of all ages.
The War of The Worlds will call at Nottingham Motorpoint Arena on April 10, 2025.
