It's not theatre, or cinema. It's not an escape room, theme park ride or VR game. Yes, there are pyrotechnics, projections, holograms and special effects. But this is quite different to an arena show (there are only 8-12 tickets per performance). As London’s multi-award winning, top-rated “immersive night out,” this event combines them all.
Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience is a new, completely unique award-winning event where live actors, virtual reality and sensational 5D effects place you INSIDE the action – with Jeff Wayne’s multi-platinum Musical Version of The War of The Worlds as your soundtrack!
It's no secret… Within weeks this made Tripadvisor’s ‘THE BEST Nightlife in London’ shortlist, and is #9 of ALL nightlife in London.
★★★★★
“Mind blowing. All I can say is WOW. I can honestly say it’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen.” – Chris L, via Tripadvisor
See what this new, completely unique event is like – watch the official trailer now!
Your 120 minute adventure begins under the green eyes of a giant Martian Fighting Machine on London’s Leadenhall Street.
With journalist George Herbert as your guide, you're transported back to 1898.
Like magic, a full kilometre of movie sets, live actors, virtual reality goggles and sensational 5D effects place you INSIDE the action.
It’s happening and you’re part of the story. You'll feel all senses fired as you crawl, slide and weave your way through 24 extraordinary scenes: from the sighting of the first capsule to the arrival of 300 foot Martian Fighting Machines and the evacuation of London.
You’ll visit the Royal Observatory, sneak into a deserted house, escape London by boat and even fly to Mars.
Along the way you’ll meet a cast of 17 characters featuring 12 live actors plus a mix of holograms, projections and VR of West End star Carrie Hope Fletcher (Heathers, Les Miserables, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), Tom Brittney (Grantchester, Make Me Famous) and Anna-Marie Wayne (The War of The World’s Live).
Don’t miss it, this astonishing multi award-winning experience is only available for a limited time.
★★★★★
"Absolutely loved it! It was my first experience of VR and I loved it… Boat trip, hot air balloon - all utterly spectacular. The smell of sulphur stayed with me until the next day." - Kate P. via Tripadvisor
Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience, is only in London for a limited time from 22 May.
Every ticket comes with our no-quibble Flexible Exchange Policy, so you’re not risking a penny.
Standard tickets cost up to £90 with initial prices starting from £50 for weekend performances and from £40 during the week. Prices increase with demand, so book now to save at least £10 - and by booking early you can could save up to £50. For an extra special experience, VIP tickets are available on selected days from £130.
Don't delay, it's only available for a limited time, and over 65,500 people have already booked their escape from the Martians!
Looking for an experience that's 'worth every penny' to celebrate a special occasion? Our VIP tickets offer you a full night out that's perfect for birthdays, celebrations and big occasions. They are our fastest selling ticket and previous releases quickly sold out, so we've just added VIP tickets on Sundays! Choose from 1pm, 3pm or 5pm on Sundays from Nov - Jan.
Find out what a VIP ticket includes here.
‘I’ve had an amazing day out for what we’ve paid...For me it’s been a whole day out, I haven’t spent any money since we got off the train!’ - Clarey Payne, opening weekend VIP guest
This new experience is based upon the iconic 1978 double album, Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds, which has sold has sold over 16 million records and charted in 22 countries around the world, achieving gold or platinum status in 17 countries and 13 times platinum in the UK alone. If you love Jeff's music, this experience is an absolute must. If you're new to it, then it's a completely new way to discover one of the biggest selling albums of all time!
Speaking about the creation of the experience, Jeff says:
“Working with Layered Reality to turn my Musical Version into an Immersive Experience has creatively been one of the most unique and enjoyable collaborations within my career.
The challenge of starting with my original score and script, then adding new musical content, remixes and mash ups plus new storylines all coming together with two very passionate teams - those of Layered Reality and my own studio team and remain friends and proud of the end result, has been very special indeed.
I’ve always wondered what it would be like to step back in time to the world of HG Wells and his dark Victorian tale and survive the Martians. Well, now I know!"
★★★★★
"If you love the music...you'll love this. Feel the tension, live the adventure, see the Martians. Well worth the price. Do it, you'll love it" - Dave Burry, Plymouth
★★★★★
"If you’re a fan of Jeff Wayne’s War of The Worlds then you have to visit this attraction." - O3016LYjamess, via Tripadvisor
"The War of the Worlds: The Immersive Experience is both thrilling and exciting. Importantly, it offers an opportunity where audiences can connect with other human beings on a very personal level. That sense of bonding is what we all crave right now! ‘The War of The Worlds’ story is the perfect metaphor for COVID where in the face of apocalyptic forces, humanity wins!”
- Carrie Hope Fletcher
Over the last year, we've added brand new elements and every scene has been updated and improved.
One of the central scenes, Journey to London, has been completely transformed into a physical, live action sequence with brand new sets, holograms, projections, special effects and live actors.
Have a look here for more details, sketches, and a preview of the scene...
★★★★★
"OMG I felt like a child again...had such an amazing time and will be recommending it to anyone who will listen"
- Simon P. via Tripadvisor
★★★★★
"The most exhilarating thing I've ever done!! Had my heart racing and left me breathless with excitement"
- Dawn B. via Tripadvisor
Over 41,000 people have been and 98% of guests say they'd recommend it!*
★★★★★
"WOW WOW WOW, AWESOME! Totally immersive, they make you feel you are actually there, right in the action! With breathtaking holograms, virtual 3D head sets, and acting out the scenes, it's one hell of a rollercoaster. A 5D experience you will NEVER forget!"
- Ian W, Romford
★★★★★
"So good I’ve been 4 times... be prepared to have your socks well and truly blown off!"
- Connor C, Luton
★★★★★
"MAGIC! 100% recommend. Such an exciting, unique and magical activity. It's your one chance to be IN a sci-fi adventure, so enjoy every minute of it! "
- Rosie K, London
★★★★★
"Great value for money, worth every penny. I highly recommend this, it is like nothing I have experienced before, exhilarating, funny, scary and jaw dropping."
- Shelly C, Wisbech
★★★★★
"The whole experience from start to finish was amazing - the bar, the cocktails, the actors and the VR was nothing like we had ever done before (or since). It was all so good we'd definitely go back and do it again."
- Sharon I, Stoke on Trent
★★★★★
"The whole event is just the best fun. I’ve been twice and told my mates and they all had a ball. Best night out in London."
- Chris H, Brighton
★★★★★
"If you love the music...you'll love this."
- Dave B, Plymouth
Visit our gallery to see production shots and VR stills and get a taste of what your experience will look like. Plus view original artwork from Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds.
★★★★★
"I have been to many West End shows but this is not a show, it's just an awesome experience!"
- Janet H, Herts via Tripadvisor
★★★★★
"5* reviews don't do it justice, so read my 6* review. But first here's my words of advice, DON'T THINK ABOUT IT JUST DO IT! Today was my 3rd visit and I can say that this experience is getting better every time I go...relive the Martian invasion of 1898 for yourselves"
- Allan S via Tripadvisor
If you’re looking for a fun, different night out, guests describe this as “an experience of lifetime” and something "you will NEVER forget!”. And if you love the music this is an “an absolute must”.
Over 65,500 people have booked to escape from the Martians and 98% recommend it!* so chances are you’ll love it too.
We get top ratings from groups of friends on a night out, TWOTW fans, theatre fans, music lovers, Sci Fi fans, corporate teams and work nights out, Steampunk fans, and fans of immersive and interactive entertainment.
If you're not sure, read the reviews from other guests and check our FAQ for any specific questions.
The experience is open to adults and children aged 10 and over, but it’s not suitable for everyone, especially those with specific medical conditions. Please see our Access Guide for details. Children aged 10-15yrs must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Each performance is limited to 8-12 people.
You’ll stay in your party throughout the experience, but there is one scene where you’re separated in adjacent booths. But don’t worry, it doesn't take long for Martians to seize their victims…
Your experience is around 2 hours long, including a 20 minute interval in the Red Weed Bar. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your start time.
Most guests stay to enjoy a cocktail and meal in The Spirit of Man – the world’s only steampunk bar & restaurant where you get to enjoy a Martian themed cocktail and meal under the tentacles of a giant green-eyed, smoke-shooting Martian Fighting Machine!
The experience is located at 56 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3A 2BJ.
The closest tube station is Aldgate (Circle and Metropolitan Line). Aldgate East, Bank , Liverpool Street, Tower Hill and Tower Gateway stations are also nearby.
The closest overground station is Fenchurch Street. Liverpool Street and Cannon Street stations are also nearby.
Bus Routes 25, N25 and N550 stop directly outside the venue at St Katharine Cree bus stop, eastbound from St Paul’s Cathedral or westbound from Whitechapel.
Don't miss it, tap HERE to see a bigger picture showing the main entrance to the venue.
★★★★★
"A MUST visit if in London...superbly put together...totally enjoyed every minute of it"
- Andrew P, Cheshire via Tripadvisor
★★★★★
"Best thing in London...if there's one thing to do on your bucket list...this is it"
- Ratchet S, Chippenham via Tripadvisor
Standard tickets cost up to £90 with initial prices starting from £50 for weekend performances and from £40 during the week. Prices increase with demand, so book now to save at least £10 - and by booking early you could save up to £50. For an extra special experience VIP tickets are available on selected days from £130.
★★★★★
"Worth every penny...I loved every minute...it is one of those experiences you can't stop talking and thinking about"
- Fay J, Worthing via Tripadvisor
★★★★★
"We thoroughly enjoyed a superb and really different experience. Spine tingling music and effects. Worth every penny. Want to do it again!"
- Joanne W, Bishop Stortford via Tripadvisor
Every ticket comes with our Flexible Exchange Policy, so you can buy tickets with complete confidence.
Our Flexible Exchange Policy lets you cancel your tickets anytime up until 5pm the day before your experience. If you cancel we’ll email you a gift voucher so you can rebook when you're ready. You just need to let us know before 5pm the day before your experience.
Following the lifting of lockdown restrictions on 19 Jul 2021, we're keeping COVID safety measures in place until further notice. This is for your peace of mind when visiting the venue, and for the safety and well being of all our guests and team members.
Visit our COVID-19 Safety Measures page to learn more about the specific hygiene and social distancing measures we're keeping in place.
The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience is produced by Layered Reality™ – a multi award-winning new entertainment company.
Founded in 2017, Layered Reality™ has won 8 awards so far for its first two experiences SOMNAI and Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience, including the a THEA award (the Oscars of the industry) for The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience. They’ve also just been named as an EPIC MEGAGRANTS RECIPIENT (awarded by Fortnite developers, Epic Games).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Try our FAQ page.
The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience is open now Wed - Sat.
56 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3A 2BJ. Tap here for public transport links and how to get here.
No, not at all! We have designed the experience to be understood and enjoyed by those who don’t know anything about The War of The Worlds.
Our Flexible Exchange Policy lets you cancel your tickets anytime up until 5pm the day before your experience. If you cancel we’ll email you a gift voucher, so you can rebook when you're ready. You just need to let us know before 5pm the day before your experience.
It's a top 10 London Nightlife event on Tripadvisor where 94% rate it Excellent or Very Good, so chances are you'll absolutely love it. If you're not sure, read the reviews from other guests.
It's totally up to you. There are opportunities for interacting with the actors but nothing that would make you feel uncomfortable. We think you'll have more fun if you interact, but it's your choice: you can join in as little or as much as you like.
Standard tickets cost up to £90 with initial prices starting from £50 for weekend performances and from £40 during the week. Prices increase with demand, so book now to save at least £10 - and by booking early you could save up to £50. For an extra special experience VIP tickets are available on selected days from £120.
Yes, there are two themed bars. The Spirit of Man bar has a full range of cocktails, beers, wines, spirits, pizzas, burgers, salads & snacks. The interval Red Weed bar offers a selection of drinks & snacks including ice creams and our signature Red Weed Cocktail.
Step further into the story with our unique VIP package including food, drink, souvenirs and character interactions created specially to give you the very best and most memorable experience.
A VIP Ticket includes:
If you normally wear glasses we recommend you wear them for this experience or use contact lenses. The Virtual Reality headsets are fully adjustable to accommodate glasses.
As this is an immersive experience, across two floors, we recommend you wear comfortable clothing and flat trainers or shoes. High heels, flip flops or similar are not suitable and our team reserve the right to refuse entry for health and safety reasons.
This experience is not wheelchair accessible. For further information, please view our full Access Guide.
Yes, you can purchase gift vouchers HERE. The Layered Reality™ gift voucher can be used as part or full payment to buy tickets and preorder food, drink and photos.
Still got questions? Visit our FAQ page for more answers.
* Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience is #7 of ALL London nightlife events and the only immersive event in the top 20 according to Tripadvisor. 98% of customers recommend it according to 1,939 Survivors Survey respondents (Apr 2020).
* 1,152 ★★★★★ reviews according to 422 Tripadvisor reviews; 513 Facebook reviews (via @layeredrealityuk and @thewaroftheworldsimmersive),161 Google reviews and 56 Design My Night reviews.
* Content and video footage is for illustrative purposes only. Experiences and VR may vary
All content, images and video shown on this website and in are for illustration only. Actual VR may vary. Jeff Wayne's The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience is produced by Layered Reality™ in partnership with Jeff Wayne under licence from Top Drawer Tours Limited. Layered Reality™ is a trading name of Ellipsis Entertainment Ltd. Ellipsis Entertainment Ltd is registered in England and Wales number 10711624. Registered Office: 5 Elstree Gate, Elstree Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JD.
© Top Drawer Tours Limited 1978-2021. All Rights Reserved.
You deserve a really AMAZING night out!
Get ready for a night out you'll never forget. All senses fired. No expense spared.
LONDON'S #1 IMMERSIVE NIGHT OUT*
Rated 5/5 and #7 of ALL London Nightlife and the only immersive event in the top 10 on Tripadvisor.
TOP 10% IN THE WORLD
Ranked in the top 10% of ALL attractions globally. 98% of guests recommend this.*
8 AWARDS WON!
THEA award-winning experience from Layered Reality™ who've won 8 awards so far!