IT is safe to say the iconic and powerful rendition of Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds - Alive on Stage will stand the test of time.

The live performance for the 40th anniversary tour at the BIC made use of incredible production technology while cherishing the heritage of a well-told story.

After a captivating two hours of entertainment, the talented ensemble of the nine-piece Black Smoke Band and 36-piece ULLAdubULLA strings deserved rapturous applause.

Liam Neeson’s holographic performance as George Herbert, the journalist, took time to adapt to, but his acting calibre delivered a strong narration to the story. Musician Newton Faulkner accompanied the projection with the sung thoughts of the journalist live on stage.

Jason Donovan provided an energetic delivery of Parson Nathaniel, a man of religion who lost all faith in the crisis, while Carrie Hope Fletcher joined him for a moving duet as his wife Beth in the second half of the show.

The whole cast brought the musical to life through bold vocals and great stage presence, with Adam Garcia, as the artilleryman, Anna-Marie Wayne, as journalist’s fiancée Carrie, and Nathan James, as the voice of humanity.

The extensive props and lighting throughout the show, none other than the giant Martian machine that dwarfed over Jeff Wayne as he conducted the show, will live long in the memory.

The conductor’s passion and love for the story, which he has told for 40 years, shone through from the very first note.

A minor technical glitch could have marred the musical’s climax for the most critical of audience members, but a standing ovation from the majority highlighted a magnificent evening of live production.