New show based on music of Prince to tour UK

A new show based on the music of Prince called Purple Rain will tour the UK next year.

The production will feature music that spans the legendary artist's career including the songs "Kiss", "When Doves Cry", "Little Red Corvette", "Alphabet Street", "U Got The Look" and the show's title track.

It will be directed Gary Lloyd (Thriller Live) and produced by Adam Spiegel (Motown) and Mark Goucher (Hairspray) with Claire-Bridget Kenwright.

Purple Rain will open in Bromley at the Churchill Theatre on 1 February before touring to Manchester, Plymouth, Cheltenham, Birmingham, Blackpool, Edinburgh, Wimbledon, Cardiff, Belfast, Hull, and Ipswich.

More details, including cast and further dates, will be announced in due course. Producers are also hoping for a West End run of the show.

Announcing the production, Lloyd said: "Prince’s music and constant reinvention is legendary, so to get the opportunity to bring that and all his colourful characters to the theatrical stage is a dream.

"There is also a real appetite for live music shows that showcase the musicians as part of the performance. Prince was all about this. Prince was a consummate, theatrical artist, but in our show his music is the star."

Purple Rain will open at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley on 1 February before embarking on a UK tour.