I started typing up what I know, but then realised I had so much to check, I might as well refer you directly to
Wiki.
I grew up with the album, and I have to say the pictures in it, and the noise of the Martians (and of course the scary story) made a huge impression on me. In fact it was a relief to read H G Wells' well-ordered and dated book. One of the few times the source material has had less impact on me than the adaptation!
We all sat and watched the live version on TV last Christmas. A recording of it sung and played live that is (at the O2), not an action version. It was mesmerising. I did miss David Essex as the Artilleryman though. And Julie Covington (also my ideal Mary Magdalene) singing, "No Nathaniel, oh no Nathanial no" - she has such an ethereal voice.