Sting is to take a starring role in a new play this March which tells the story of a Newcastle singer starting out on a musical career which takes the rising talent across the world.
The Wallsend-born superstar will play a father figure in the play I Must Have Loved You which he co-created with local author Michael Chaplin.
And his music will pepper the drama which is set to make its debut on BBC Radio 4 on March 19.
Read more: Our Friends in the North makes a radio comeback
The singer-songwriter teamed up with Chaplin who, born in County Durham, grew up in Newcastle and is known for his radio, TV and stage work.
Their play explores a common question and theme for both, described as "what do you win and what do you lose when you turn your back on the things that made you?"
Sting will take the role of Vince, a blues singer and overbearing father of a young talent called Jess Doyle, played by Fran McNamee, who wants to find her own voice.
Jess feels compelled to leave Newcastle, to escape her dad and embark upon a musical career, but knows that success may well be the unmaking of her and those who love her.
The play, which will air on March 19, will also feature music by Sting.
Chaplin, son of late author Sid Chaplin, said: “It’s been a deeply rewarding pleasure to work with Sting in fashioning a song-strewn story about a musical family in Newcastle.
"The play travels as far as the Grand Canyon but is rooted in the city where we grew up and which remains an inspiration.”
During his long career, Sting has appeared in previous Radio 4 adaptations of Mervyn Peak’s novels Titus Groan and Gormenghast, as well as in the films Quadrophenia and Dune and on the Broadway stage.
He also brought his musical hit The Last Ship back home to Newcastle in 2018, when Northern Stage hosted its red carpet UK premiere, and has talked about retaining strong ties to the North East.
Alison Hindell, Radio 4 commissioning editor for drama and fiction, said of his latest project: “I’m delighted that Sting and Michael have brought us such a powerful story, and one which is informed by first-hand observations of the music industry.
"It’s fantastic to hear it so firmly rooted in the North East, with the largely local cast adding to its authenticity, and the whole production is enriched by Sting’s evocative songs and music.”
I Must Have Loved You will be broadcast on Radio 4 and available on BBC Sounds on March 19 from 2.45pm.
Sting fans can also catch up with the star in a TV interview which is currently available on BBC iPlayer.
Sting in Sting: Reel Stories sees the musician in conversation, in a cinema setting, with Dermot O’Leary as he reflects upon some of his most famous performances and interviews from over the years.
For the latest What's On news, announcements and reviews direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
