London is preparing for a new kind of invasion. After more than 31,000 performances and six years of dominance as a world-leading immersive attraction, Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Experience is undergoing a massive transformation. The current chapter closes on 1 March 2026, making way for a high-tech rebirth on 12 March 2026.
The relaunch introduces groundbreaking virtual reality rebuilt using Unreal Engine. This technology, typically reserved for high-end gaming and cinema, creates environments that blur the line between the physical and the digital. Both the iconic Thames boat ride and the journey to Mars have been completely reimagined for the new era.
To deliver these visuals, the production has invested in brand-new HTC Vive Focus Vision headsets. These allow for wireless movement and enhanced clarity, ensuring guests are fully submerged in Victorian England without technical distraction. The sound design has also been spatially remixed for 360-degree immersion, placing the audience directly inside the Martian attack.
For the first time, Jeff Wayne himself enters the experience. Guests will be greeted by a digital version of the legendary composer, who offers a personal welcome and survival tips for the invasion. This addition creates a direct connection between the creator of the 1978 double album and his modern audience.
Fans of the original score will find new surprises in the Red Weed Bar. A new remix of "The Spirit of Man," featuring the voices of Phil Lynott and Julie Covington, makes its debut here. Additionally, the Royal Engineer’s Lab features an updated script and richer set dressings to deepen the storytelling for returning visitors.
The experience continues to blend live actors and movie-quality sets with cutting-edge sensory effects. Secured in London through 2029 under a landmark partnership, the production aims to remain the most ambitious immersive theatre in the world. As Jeff Wayne notes, the new technology allows for a level of imagination and transportation that simply was not possible when the show first opened.
