Burton's back on stage...

Two decades after his death, Richard Burton is to make his return to the London stage.

State-of-the-art gadgetry has recreated the legendary actor for a sell-out adaptation of The War Of The Worlds.

His head will appear as if suspended in mid-air, narrating the creepy alien plotline of HG Wells's classic tale of martian invasion.

Show producer Damian Collier promised: "Audiences will be amazed."

The musical, which comes to the Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Arena this month as part of a UK tour, is an adaptation by Jeff Wayne of his 1978 concept album based on the novel.

The recording, which featured Burton as the journalist-narrator, sold 13 million copies and spent 300 consecutive weeks in the album chart.

Mr Collier revealed Burton had supported the idea of making a holographic image of himself before his death in 1984. He said: "Jeff Wayne and Richard both explored making the album live and they looked at a holographic-head and agreed the rights to the technology.

"Unfortunately, not long after that, Richard passed away and Jeff released the rights, but the idea has been in his head ever since the album came out.

"Richard's voice is one of the greatest of all time. We wanted to try to keep him in and give him a visual presence."

Wayne based the hologram on a photograph of Burton in his thirties given by his widow Sally.

Mr Collier said: "We needed a picture of Richard looking face-on and also looking at his most iconic.

"We had a debate about which Burton to use because he changed so much during his career but we decided it would be most striking to go for a young version. Sally Burton has been very supportive throughout and gave Jeff bundles of images."

The 10ft tall incarnation of Burton's head was crafted out of poly-resin.

Because Burton was never filmed recording The War Of The Worlds, creators had to meld his photograph with video of lookalike actor Aaron Robson to make it appear as if he is speaking.