IT has been billed as "one of the most ground-breaking arena tours of all time," and Jeff Wayne's musical version of The War of the Worlds is heading to Dorset.

The show makes its return to arenas throughout the UK during the year, and an extra matinee performance has been added to the BIC dates in December, due to phenomenal demand.

Based on HG Wells' dark Victorian tale, the musical show remains a firm favourite around the word, featuring a stellar cast with Jeff Wayne returning to the podium to conduct the nine-piece Black Smoke Band and 36-piece ULLAdubULLA Strings, while Liam Neeson retains his role in 3D holography as The Journalist.

Star of stage and screen Jason Donovan returns to the role of Parson Nathaniel alongside West End actress Carrie Hope Fletcher as Beth, his wife. Actor and theatre star Adam Garcia will debut as The Artilleryman, British singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner will perform The Sung Thoughts of The Journalist, Inglorious front man Nathan James will play The Voice of Humanity, with Anna-Marie Wayne reprising her role as Carrie, The Journalist’s Fiancée.

Jason Donovan said: “I am delighted to be re-joining the cast for this very special 40th Anniversary Tour. The War of The Worlds has such enduring appeal and its fan base seems to grow and grow. With each tour, the scale, the drama and the special effects get more and more exciting, so I can't wait to see what Jeff has planned for this spectacular celebration!"

Built around a huge arched bridge running through the centre of the arena brings the action closer to the audience for a most captivating and immersive experience.

The War of the Worlds will be at the BIC on December 12 and 13.