Pop Idol Will Young has unveiled a brand new look as he prepares to make his big return to theatre in Manchester. Will will star in one-man show Song From Far Away at Manchester's HOME theatre in the new year.
In new images and a video released today, Will is seen with a new bright blonde hair style as he speaks about the new role. It will see Will back treading the boards in Manchester 14 years since making his stage debut at the Royal Exchange in the acclaimed production of The Vortex.
Chart-topping music star Will says in a new interview about the role that performing in a one man show is what intrigued him about the new production. The play is penned by Olivier-award winning Simon Stephens and Mark Eitzel.
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Will said: "I think it's really exciting to go into another acting challenge. Particularly in theatre, the last time I was in theatre in straight acting was in Manchester like 14 years ago.
"So it's quite exciting to return and I think this is the right piece to do it and it's a very well known piece.
"What excited me when I first read the script was 'one man show' - as a narcissist that's the ideal," he joked.
The show will see Will play Willem, who receives a phone call at his New York apartment that must see him go home to Amsterdam - to an estranged family and forgotten relationships. As he reflects on his life, unwilling to face the future, he finds himself reaching out to the brother he has lost.
The play premiered at the Young Vic in 2015 to huge acclaim. It is described as an "emotional play and an unforgettable story and a personal letter to those left behind".
Will said: "I actually had been looking at some one man plays so I thought this will be really interesting, it's something I haven't done, that's a test.
"It's going to sound funny but I like a lot of lightness in things, I like a lot of comedy and there is an intensity to this character so I think it will be really interesting how I can find the different levels in the piece.
"I think you've always got to brave and take on something that will challenge you. It's definitely going to challenge me."
Will, 43, first found fame back in 2002 as the first ever winner of TV talent show Pop Idol. He went on to achieve commercial and critical acclaim across the world releasing eight studio albums, as well as with his forays into the acting and musicals world.
Playwright Simon Stephens, originally from Stockport, said he was excited to see how Will will interpret the role. He said: "It means a f****** mountain to see our play get a second life. The idea of an artist who has reached as many people as Will Young has reached, singing our song and telling our story is immensely moving.
“Manchester is a city that we have loved for decades for different reasons and from different places. We can’t wait to see our Song from Far Away in this city of music.”
Song From Far Away will be at HOME from 22 Feb – 11 Mar 2023. For tickets click here
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