Prince estate object to new Purple Rain show

The estate of the late rock star Prince say they're currently "weighting their legal options" following the announcement of a new show based on his music.

Directed by Gary Lloyd (Thriller Live), a UK tour of the production Purple Rain was announced last week. Producers called it a "new theatrical event celebrating the music of one of the world’s greatest pop artists".

However, in a statement to BBC News, Prince's estate have labelled the show a "blatant attempt to deceive fans".

Entertainment adviser Troy Carter said: "Neither Prince's family or the estate have given permission to use his name, likeness, or music catalogue for this event."

He went on to say audiences will think they are seeing a Purple Rain musical in the West End, but would actually just be seeing a cover band playing Prince's songs.

Carter added that they "look forward to bringing the real Purple Rain to the stage in the near future".

The production was announced to include some of Prince's best-known hits, including "Kiss", "When Doves Cry", "Little Red Corvette", "Alphabet Street", "U Got The Look" and the show's title track.

Legally, performances can include cover versions of songs as long as the rights holders receive the appropriate performance royalties.

In a statement, producers Adam Spiegel, Mark Goucher and Claire-Bridget Kenwright said that there is "no intention to deceive fans".

Purple Rain will open at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley on 1 February 2018 before embarking on a UK tour.