Created by Layered Reality in partnership with Jeff Wayne, and set on Leadenhall Street in the heart of the City of London, the multi-award-winning experience has become a fixture of the capital’s cultural landscape since opening in 2019.
Based on HG Wells’ novel and Wayne’s iconic musical adaptation, the production blends live theatre, virtual reality, 5D effects, holograms and surround sound across 24 intricately designed scenes.
In the six years since its debut, the experience has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors, drawn by its innovative storytelling and enduring musical score. It has also received more than 18,000 five-star reviews and four consecutive Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards, confirming its place as one of the most acclaimed immersive attractions in the UK. Recognised as the UK’s most award-winning immersive theatrical experience, it has proudly secured 12 major awards
This May half-term, families, visitors and fans of all ages are invited to experience the spectacle for themselves, as the production continues to evolve with new enhancements and updates designed to thrill both first-time guests and returning adventurers.
When guests arrive, they enter via The Spirit of Man Bar and Restaurant, greeted by a Martian Fighting Machine that fires its Heat Ray, and staff all dressed in Victorian steam-punk outfits to serve the guests’ every need, until it’s their time to survive the two-hour production.
Recent additions include a new, thrilling scene where audiences traverse through trenches, cross bridges, and more; expanded physical effects; enhanced haptic technology for increased sensory impact; and an upgraded sound system in the Brave New World virtual reality domes. The experience also features revised musical elements, including fresh remixes in The Red Weed Bar during the interval and updated audio design in The Spirit of Man Bar and Restaurant.
Andrew McGuinness, CEO and Founder of Layered Reality, said:
“We set out to create something truly original — a fusion of music, theatre, and immersive technology. Six years on, we’re proud to remain at the forefront of the immersive entertainment industry, and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone with our audiences, especially families and new visitors joining us this half term.”
Jeff Wayne commented:
“When we first opened The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience, it was meant to run for just three months. Now, six years later, we’re still here as the UK’s longest-running immersive experience, thanks to the imagination of our diverse creative team that led to incredible reviews, word-of-mouth, and the loyalty of our amazing audiences. We’ve also won the Thea Award, the Oscars of the Interactive World, and TripAdvisor’s Travel Award for an unprecedented four consecutive years. This experience has always been ahead of its time, pushing the boundaries of what immersive entertainment can be.”
Visitors engage with both live performers and a digital cast led by West End star Carrie Hope Fletcher (Les Misérables, Heathers), Tom Brittney (Grantchester, Make Me Famous) and Anna-Marie Wayne (The War of The World’s Live). Every element of the production, from music to staging, is personally overseen by Jeff Wayne to ensure fidelity to his creative vision.
Located on Leadenhall Street, the show remains a cornerstone of London’s immersive scene and a key cultural destination for domestic and international visitors alike. This half term marks the perfect time to step into the action and experience a story that has captivated generations.
Tickets and further information are available at: www.thewaroftheworldsimmersive.com