A new musical based on the songs of Prince will begin a UK tour next year.

Purple Rain is described as a live celebration of the music of the star, who died in April last year, and will be a journey through his career.

Prince
(Johnny Green/PA)

The new show will feature a 26-strong group of musicians, singers and dancers who will bring the star’s music, including Raspberry Beret, Kiss and Purple Rain, to life on stage.

It will be directed by Gary Lloyd, the man behind Michael Jackson stage show Thriller – Live, who hopes fans will enjoy the theatrical tribute to their hero.

He 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.

Prince
(Yui Mok/PA)

“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.

“There will be so much for audiences to enjoy, whether they’re fans of musical theatre, Prince or both.

Singer Prince
(Gareth Fuller/PA)

“Purple Rain is a fast-paced, music lover’s night out that will tease, surprise and excite audiences in the same way he did.”

The musical will begin its UK tour in Bromley on February 1 2018 before travelling to Manchester, Plymouth, Cheltenham, Birmingham, Blackpool, Edinburgh, Wimbledon, Cardiff, Belfast, Hull and Ipswich.