Rou Reynolds follows in the footsteps of Jason Donovan and Kaiser Chiefs', Ricky Wilson, as he transforms into the enigmatic Artilleryman.

Hot off the back of a UK arena tour, and sell-out date at Wembley this year, Enter Shikari’s Rou Reynolds confirms he’ll be putting his vocal weight towards battling the Martian invasion, as he announces he’s joining the cast of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds The Spirit of Man Tour 2025. Rou will be playing the role of The Artilleryman, which has previously been performed by Jason Donovan, Kevin Clifton, Adam Garcia, David Essex, and Kaiser Chiefs', Ricky Wilson to name a few. Rou joins an all-star cast alongside The Wanted’s Max George (Parson Nathaniel) and Maisie Smith (Beth, The Parson’s Wife) – further cast to be announced.

“I first discovered Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds through my dad and uncle, who grew up being blown away by the original double album,” comments Rou. “Their great respect and enthusiasm for Jeff’s work makes it a true honour to be involved. I’m excited to be playing the role of The Artilleryman and stepping into the shoes of luminaries such as David Essex, Ricky Wilson, Adam Garcia and all those who’ve played the role before me.”

“As exemplified by the path that my band, Enter Shikari, follows, it’s important for me to practice breadth in my art, and keep pushing myself. I understand that performing in a musical production isn’t the sort of thing people from our scene normally do, but my band has never paid much attention to what is expected of us. I relish this challenge."

Jeff said: “Since 2006 when we began touring arenas around the world, I’ve always been thrilled to welcome what is now a long list of great artists. This coming tour, for the role of The Artilleryman, I reached out to the lead singer of the wonderful Enter Shikari - Rou Reynolds - a massive talent whose voice thrills, and his personality matches. He will create his own interpretation of the enigmatic Artilleryman.”

Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds comes to Bournemouth International Centre as part of a monumental new 17-date UK and Ireland arena tour, arriving just in time to celebrate 130 years since the publication of HG WELLS’ dark Victorian tale. Conducted by Jeff Wayne and featuring Liam Neeson in 3D holography as The Journalist, who recounts his story of survival from the Martian invasion of 1898.

The tour will feature an exciting new cast to star alongside Rou Reynolds, including The Wanted’s Max George and Maisie Smith – further names will be announced over the coming months. One of the most trailblazing arena tours of all time, Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds (TWOTW) ‘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.

In 2006, TWOTW was already considered a cutting-edge production with six trucks filled to the brim. By 2025, marking 19 years of live touring, the production will be up to 12 trucks, with a host of new ingredients and special effects to challenge and excite the senses..

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds – a musical experience not to be missed.

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds comes to Bournemouth International Centre from Sunday 13 – Monday 14 April 2025. Tickets are available on the BIC website.