Music and Acting
Pop Idol (PI): Will sang some of the songs on the song list ( which can be found in Will`s Songbook section) for the first ever PI competition which was held in the UK, televised on ITV from the Autumn of 2001 through to the marvellous moment when Will won on the evening of Saturday 9th February 2002. Subsequent to the competition, Will toured with the other 9 PI Finalists plus The Big Blue band led by Ben Castle. Later in 2002, following a surprise appearance with the Big Blue at London's Covent Garden Piazza, Will, Gareth and Zoe toured with musicians led by Joseph Ross, known as ‘the band’. Will's set included the fantastic "Ticket To Love".
2002: Will sang "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" and "We Are The Champions" for the Queen's Golden Jubilee (Party At The Palace) in London in June.
In July Will was a guest at two Burt Bacharach concerts, one in London and one in Liverpool, where he sang "Wives And Lovers" also "What's In Goodbye" - a song written for him by Cathy Dennis and Burt Bacharach.
In August Will sang "I Get The Sweetest Feeling" (in pouring rain!) at the Closing Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester. "Summertime" and "Beat Out That Rhythm On A Drum" were super additions to the song list from the CBBC Prom In The Park in London in September.
In November Will switched on London's Regent Street Christmas lights and as part of his set, sang "Don't Let Me Down", the Children In Need single that year. For the Royal Variety Performance in London in December, Will sang "Live And Let Die" and "We Have All The Time In The World".
In July Will was a guest at two Burt Bacharach concerts, one in London and one in Liverpool, where he sang "Wives And Lovers" also "What's In Goodbye" - a song written for him by Cathy Dennis and Burt Bacharach.
In August Will sang "I Get The Sweetest Feeling" (in pouring rain!) at the Closing Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester. "Summertime" and "Beat Out That Rhythm On A Drum" were super additions to the song list from the CBBC Prom In The Park in London in September.
In November Will switched on London's Regent Street Christmas lights and as part of his set, sang "Don't Let Me Down", the Children In Need single that year. For the Royal Variety Performance in London in December, Will sang "Live And Let Die" and "We Have All The Time In The World".
2003: Will hit the promotional trail in Europe which took in several European cities. In July he wowed the crowd with his first ever solo concert which was with the band in Exeter where the set-list featured a whole range of songs including "Alibi Of Love", "Fields Of Gold", "Roxanne", "Superstition" and "Time Enough". Will has been captivating audiences at his concerts ever since!
In November Will performed "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square" at the Festival of Remembrance in London, accompanied by The Squadronaires.
In November Will performed "A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square" at the Festival of Remembrance in London, accompanied by The Squadronaires.
2004: Will performed a concert for BBC Radio 2 accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra plus the band, recorded at The Mermaid theatre and broadcast in April: "Go To Hell", "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know" - sung with huge emotion, and "Welcome To The Club" were brilliant additions to the song list.
A theatre concert tour with the band, followed by a festival tour took place in the UK in the Summer. The former included a highly entertaining re-working of "Over You" and the latter included a concert at Stowe Music Festival at which Will was also accompanied by the String Section of the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. The audiences at the Summer festivals chilled out to songs such as "I Couldn't Love You More" and "My Love" in addition to Will's trademark songs.
Will sang the funky "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" with the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, at the Olympic Torch Concert in London in June; Will also sang “Friday’s Child”.
Will added more songs, such as "In The Stone" to the ever-growing list in his first solo arena tour of the British Isles in the Winter, by which time the band had increased to include a horn section and several of the songs were choreographed with fantastic dance routines. Excellent graphics too.
In November,Will presented a documentary entitled Runaways as part of the Children in Need campaign, highlighting the problems facing distressed teens who run away from home, and the plight they were in being picked up off the streets and railway stations by pimps who offered them work and drugs. The children did not know where to go for immediate help unless they were picked up by the police and sent to a refuge centre.
Will and Jamelia duetted on two of the lines and joined the chorus of pop and rock stars for the (2004) Band Aid 20 single, "Do They Know Its Christmas?".
A theatre concert tour with the band, followed by a festival tour took place in the UK in the Summer. The former included a highly entertaining re-working of "Over You" and the latter included a concert at Stowe Music Festival at which Will was also accompanied by the String Section of the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. The audiences at the Summer festivals chilled out to songs such as "I Couldn't Love You More" and "My Love" in addition to Will's trademark songs.
Will sang the funky "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" with the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, at the Olympic Torch Concert in London in June; Will also sang “Friday’s Child”.
Will added more songs, such as "In The Stone" to the ever-growing list in his first solo arena tour of the British Isles in the Winter, by which time the band had increased to include a horn section and several of the songs were choreographed with fantastic dance routines. Excellent graphics too.
In November,Will presented a documentary entitled Runaways as part of the Children in Need campaign, highlighting the problems facing distressed teens who run away from home, and the plight they were in being picked up off the streets and railway stations by pimps who offered them work and drugs. The children did not know where to go for immediate help unless they were picked up by the police and sent to a refuge centre.
Will and Jamelia duetted on two of the lines and joined the chorus of pop and rock stars for the (2004) Band Aid 20 single, "Do They Know Its Christmas?".
2005: Comic Relief in March included a TV performance of "Blowin' In The Wind" - a duet by Ruby Turner and Will, with Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.
In May, The O'Brien Sisters and Will performed the lively "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" as a troupe accompanied by the 'Big Band' plus dancers at A Party to Remember - 2005, held in Trafalgar Square in London. Will also sang "Love For Sale" at this concert.
Will performed in the Edinburgh Live 8 concert in July where he took part in music by 1 Giant Leap: "My Culture" featured Mahotella Queens, Maxi Jazz, Neneh Cherry and Will. James Brown and Will reprised "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" for this concert.
Five songs were added to the song list due to Will's Summer Nights tour in the UK with the band: these included "Cuba" and "We're Rolling On".
Will played the role of Bertie, the leading male performer and assistant producer at the Windmill Theatre in London during the 1930s/40s in the film 'Mrs Henderson Presents' which was released in November.
Will sang "All Time Love" for the Royal Variety Performance which took place in Cardiff and was televised in December.
In May, The O'Brien Sisters and Will performed the lively "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" as a troupe accompanied by the 'Big Band' plus dancers at A Party to Remember - 2005, held in Trafalgar Square in London. Will also sang "Love For Sale" at this concert.
Will performed in the Edinburgh Live 8 concert in July where he took part in music by 1 Giant Leap: "My Culture" featured Mahotella Queens, Maxi Jazz, Neneh Cherry and Will. James Brown and Will reprised "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" for this concert.
Five songs were added to the song list due to Will's Summer Nights tour in the UK with the band: these included "Cuba" and "We're Rolling On".
Will played the role of Bertie, the leading male performer and assistant producer at the Windmill Theatre in London during the 1930s/40s in the film 'Mrs Henderson Presents' which was released in November.
Will sang "All Time Love" for the Royal Variety Performance which took place in Cardiff and was televised in December.
2006: In May Will joined a star-studded line-up at the Prince's Trust 30th Birthday concert at the Tower of London. Here Will sang "Who Am I" (acoustic version), "Leave Right Now", and the rocking "Love The One You're With".
In September/October Will toured the British Isles with his Keep On Live tour and enthralled audiences with a spectacular show. This included the band, again with horn section, plus imaginative dance routines and graphics. Will added "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" and "I Say That I Love You" to the song list with this tour. On 30th September, Will took some time out from the tour to perform a set at G.A.Y. where he and the dancers dazzled the crowd with their tennis theme!
At the end of October, Will made a guest appearance during Nitin Sawhney's set at The Roundhouse in London for the BBC's Electric Proms 06. Will sang the deeply moving "Home" accompanied by Nitin (one of the song's co-writers) and Nitin's band. Nitin's set could be viewed online the next day and this live version of "Home" was played on the BBC Asian Network. Will went to South Africa in November where he was in the line-up for the Unite Of The Stars concerts. "Superman Lover" was one of two songs Will sang as a guest of The Producers, at the Barfly club in London in November.
In September/October Will toured the British Isles with his Keep On Live tour and enthralled audiences with a spectacular show. This included the band, again with horn section, plus imaginative dance routines and graphics. Will added "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" and "I Say That I Love You" to the song list with this tour. On 30th September, Will took some time out from the tour to perform a set at G.A.Y. where he and the dancers dazzled the crowd with their tennis theme!
At the end of October, Will made a guest appearance during Nitin Sawhney's set at The Roundhouse in London for the BBC's Electric Proms 06. Will sang the deeply moving "Home" accompanied by Nitin (one of the song's co-writers) and Nitin's band. Nitin's set could be viewed online the next day and this live version of "Home" was played on the BBC Asian Network. Will went to South Africa in November where he was in the line-up for the Unite Of The Stars concerts. "Superman Lover" was one of two songs Will sang as a guest of The Producers, at the Barfly club in London in November.
2007: Mid January to mid March - Will played the role of troubled musician Nicky Lancaster in the excellent production of Noel Coward's "The Vortex" (directed by Jo Combes) at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.
During June a series of documentaries entitled Saving Planet Earth was shown on BBC Television. Will filmed an episode about saving the gorillas of West Africa during his visit to Africa earlier in the year.
In July, Will gave a thrilling performance of "Switch It On", complete with dancers, at the Concert for Diana held in Wembley Stadium in London. Early September saw Will headlining at the BBC Prom in the Park (Hyde Park in London), one of the final night broadcasts. Will gave a sparkling and energetic performance of several of his hits songs.
A couple of weeks later Will realised a dream when he sang at the legendary Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London's Soho. Accompanied by Ronnie Scott's Vanguard Big Band, Will sang to a rapt audience "The Lady is a Tramp", "I've Seen That Face Before" (Libertango) – known as ‘Strange’ for short!, "That Ole Devil Called Love", "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby", "I've Got You Under My Skin", "Summertime" and "Minnie The Moocher". The show was directed by Gerard Presencer.
A new venture in October was the release of an audiobook of Will reading Roald Dahl's classic story "Danny Champion of the World".
In November, Will sang an amazing and heartfelt 11-song acoustic set when he headlined at one of the Little Noise Sessions for Mencap at Islington's Union Chapel in London. Accompanied by the band, Will included many album favourites and also the hauntingly beautiful "Blame It On The Sun".
In July, Will gave a thrilling performance of "Switch It On", complete with dancers, at the Concert for Diana held in Wembley Stadium in London. Early September saw Will headlining at the BBC Prom in the Park (Hyde Park in London), one of the final night broadcasts. Will gave a sparkling and energetic performance of several of his hits songs.
A couple of weeks later Will realised a dream when he sang at the legendary Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London's Soho. Accompanied by Ronnie Scott's Vanguard Big Band, Will sang to a rapt audience "The Lady is a Tramp", "I've Seen That Face Before" (Libertango) – known as ‘Strange’ for short!, "That Ole Devil Called Love", "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby", "I've Got You Under My Skin", "Summertime" and "Minnie The Moocher". The show was directed by Gerard Presencer.
A new venture in October was the release of an audiobook of Will reading Roald Dahl's classic story "Danny Champion of the World".
In November, Will sang an amazing and heartfelt 11-song acoustic set when he headlined at one of the Little Noise Sessions for Mencap at Islington's Union Chapel in London. Accompanied by the band, Will included many album favourites and also the hauntingly beautiful "Blame It On The Sun".
2008: "Smooth Operator" - Will added this super cover to his collection of Jazz/Swing numbers when he paid a welcome return visit to Ronnie Scott's in April. Once again he was accompanied by Gerard Presencer and the Vanguard Big Band.
Will is a seasoned festival-goer and long-time punter at Glastonbury, which he loves. On 28th June, Will took to Glastonbury’s Avalon stage with a new band and his set included songs such as “Changes” and “Let It Go”. Will also sang “Help Me” – a great cover to add to the song list from this summer festival. Will’s set featured some old favourites too - “Leave Right Now” has become an anthem and Will was thrilled when the packed audience sang along with him.
Will is a seasoned festival-goer and long-time punter at Glastonbury, which he loves. On 28th June, Will took to Glastonbury’s Avalon stage with a new band and his set included songs such as “Changes” and “Let It Go”. Will also sang “Help Me” – a great cover to add to the song list from this summer festival. Will’s set featured some old favourites too - “Leave Right Now” has become an anthem and Will was thrilled when the packed audience sang along with him.
In July, Will performed at two festivals, Chiswick House and later at Scotland's T in the Park. There was a great party atmosphere in T's Pet Sounds Arena as Will joined in with the crowd, singing "The Bonnie Banks O' Loch Lomond" and "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" alongside his own material. Continuing his round of festivals, Will and his new band went down a storm on the Virgin Mobile Union Stage at V Festival in August.
On 24th August, London celebrated becoming the next Olympic city with a televised Olympic Handover party outside Buckingham Palace. Will was one of the artists performing for the 40,000-strong crowd. He sang "Changes" on stage with the orchestra and to the delight of the audience, walked the length of a walkway amongst them singing "I Can See Clearly Now", an inspired choice of song as early morning rain had given way to a bright sunshiny day.
Will enjoys going to Bestival on the Isle of Wight as a punter. In September he sang there for the first time - on the BBC Introducing stage. Bestival is renowned as the place to go in fancy dress and Will got right into the spirit of the year's ‘30,000 Freaks Under the Sea’ theme by performing dressed as an Admiral!
Will performed a showcase gig at the Cadogan Hall in London in September; “Show Some Emotion” is a toe-tapping gem of a cover to add to the song list from this gig.
Will's Let It Go Tour kicked off in November and ended with two dates at The Roundhouse in London in December. Will and his band thrilled audiences with heartfelt ballads, stunning new versions of classic songs and up tempo favourites that rocked the rafters. On New Year's Eve, Elton John and Will sang a great duet of the fabulous song "Daniel" at the O2 Arena in London, which was broadcast on TV - a great finale to a busy year for Will.
On 24th August, London celebrated becoming the next Olympic city with a televised Olympic Handover party outside Buckingham Palace. Will was one of the artists performing for the 40,000-strong crowd. He sang "Changes" on stage with the orchestra and to the delight of the audience, walked the length of a walkway amongst them singing "I Can See Clearly Now", an inspired choice of song as early morning rain had given way to a bright sunshiny day.
Will enjoys going to Bestival on the Isle of Wight as a punter. In September he sang there for the first time - on the BBC Introducing stage. Bestival is renowned as the place to go in fancy dress and Will got right into the spirit of the year's ‘30,000 Freaks Under the Sea’ theme by performing dressed as an Admiral!
Will performed a showcase gig at the Cadogan Hall in London in September; “Show Some Emotion” is a toe-tapping gem of a cover to add to the song list from this gig.
Will's Let It Go Tour kicked off in November and ended with two dates at The Roundhouse in London in December. Will and his band thrilled audiences with heartfelt ballads, stunning new versions of classic songs and up tempo favourites that rocked the rafters. On New Year's Eve, Elton John and Will sang a great duet of the fabulous song "Daniel" at the O2 Arena in London, which was broadcast on TV - a great finale to a busy year for Will.
2009: The fabulous Torvill and Dean skated a stunning routine to Will's lovely performance of "Let It Go" in a February episode of the TV Programme 'Dancing On Ice'.
In March Will headlined at the Prince's Trust Spring Ball in London, accompanied by his band. Everyone crowded onto the dancefloor as Will entertained the audience at the black tie and denim charity event with a great selection of hit songs and finished his set with a high octane version of "I've Seen That Face Before".
In May, Mara Carlyle performed for an audience of all ages at the Hay Festival. Will joined Mara on stage as her guest: they sang beautifully together a song called "2000 Years". Will also sang "Amy".
Will ROCKED at the Isle of Wight Festival in June, the first gig of a packed latter half of the year with his band. His energetic set included new covers “Them Changes” and “The Letter”. Taken from Will’s blog: “The Isle of Wight was fantastic. My first big gig since having my tonsils operation and I enjoyed it so much. The Crowd were awesome, the atmosphere was incredible and we all had such a brilliant time on stage”.
Later in June, Will made a return visit to perform at Glastonbury. Taken from Will’s blog: “Thanks to everyone who turned up to make it such a memorable and fun gig." Will donned a bowler hat when he headlined the Ents24 stage at Guilfest in July. He gave a superb performance which left the crowd shouting out for more!
Towards the end of July, Will performed at Audley End – a summer evening picnic concert. He wowed the audience from the moment he bounded onto the stage right through to his final bow with his band. Will sang up tempo songs with a funky/rock edge balanced by some tender ballads.
In Dorset the following day, Will gave another cracking performance which included the fantastic remix version of “Tell Me The Worst”. Will put in a vibrant performance in The Arena at V Festival in August. Will has sung several songs acoustically in the festival setting especially for TV viewers, accompanied by Rupert Fenn. On this occasion Will sang a lovely cover version of the beautiful song “Careful”.
Radio 2 were in Blackpool for the weekend of the big illuminations switch-on in September. Will sang a stunning set that included a selection from his greatest hits for a concert broadcast live from the Empress Ballrooms at the Winter Gardens.
In October Will headed down to Ronnie Scotts to join them in celebrating their 50th anniversary gala evening - a night of Jazz tributes and musical celebration. Will joined the band for an upbeat swing version of the classic "Summertime" and a rendition of "I've Seen That Face Before" with solo piano accompaniment. He had a great evening! Will was honoured to have been invited onstage at such a landmark event for the world-renowned club.
The Hits tour came to several cities during November and December. Will’s vocals were phenomenal as he entertained the crowd with the hits that had spanned his career to date. Accompanied by piano for one section of the show, Will sang two new covers to spellbound audiences, an emotionally charged “Ever Fallen In Love” plus a wonderful jazz interpretation of “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”.
In March Will headlined at the Prince's Trust Spring Ball in London, accompanied by his band. Everyone crowded onto the dancefloor as Will entertained the audience at the black tie and denim charity event with a great selection of hit songs and finished his set with a high octane version of "I've Seen That Face Before".
In May, Mara Carlyle performed for an audience of all ages at the Hay Festival. Will joined Mara on stage as her guest: they sang beautifully together a song called "2000 Years". Will also sang "Amy".
Will ROCKED at the Isle of Wight Festival in June, the first gig of a packed latter half of the year with his band. His energetic set included new covers “Them Changes” and “The Letter”. Taken from Will’s blog: “The Isle of Wight was fantastic. My first big gig since having my tonsils operation and I enjoyed it so much. The Crowd were awesome, the atmosphere was incredible and we all had such a brilliant time on stage”.
Later in June, Will made a return visit to perform at Glastonbury. Taken from Will’s blog: “Thanks to everyone who turned up to make it such a memorable and fun gig." Will donned a bowler hat when he headlined the Ents24 stage at Guilfest in July. He gave a superb performance which left the crowd shouting out for more!
Towards the end of July, Will performed at Audley End – a summer evening picnic concert. He wowed the audience from the moment he bounded onto the stage right through to his final bow with his band. Will sang up tempo songs with a funky/rock edge balanced by some tender ballads.
In Dorset the following day, Will gave another cracking performance which included the fantastic remix version of “Tell Me The Worst”. Will put in a vibrant performance in The Arena at V Festival in August. Will has sung several songs acoustically in the festival setting especially for TV viewers, accompanied by Rupert Fenn. On this occasion Will sang a lovely cover version of the beautiful song “Careful”.
Radio 2 were in Blackpool for the weekend of the big illuminations switch-on in September. Will sang a stunning set that included a selection from his greatest hits for a concert broadcast live from the Empress Ballrooms at the Winter Gardens.
In October Will headed down to Ronnie Scotts to join them in celebrating their 50th anniversary gala evening - a night of Jazz tributes and musical celebration. Will joined the band for an upbeat swing version of the classic "Summertime" and a rendition of "I've Seen That Face Before" with solo piano accompaniment. He had a great evening! Will was honoured to have been invited onstage at such a landmark event for the world-renowned club.
The Hits tour came to several cities during November and December. Will’s vocals were phenomenal as he entertained the crowd with the hits that had spanned his career to date. Accompanied by piano for one section of the show, Will sang two new covers to spellbound audiences, an emotionally charged “Ever Fallen In Love” plus a wonderful jazz interpretation of “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”.
2010: Will played the part of Dr Love, a university counsellor giving out wacky advice, in an episode of 'Skins' screened on British TV in February.
Groove Armada released a new album in February and had invited Will to co-write and sing one of the tracks; this was the amazing "History" which they later performed together on British TV (Jonathan Ross show) in April.
Will gave a fabulous performance at the acclaimed Chelsea jazz venue, the 606 Club in London in April. He was accompanied superbly by Ben Castle, Ash Soan, Dave Tench and Pete Turner. The set comprised reworkings of a mixture of jazz standards and several (mainly 80’s) songs including new covers “Answer Me”, “Boys Don't Cry”, “I'm Only Sleeping”, “In The Air Tonight”, “One World”, “My One And Only Thrill” and “Wishing Well”. Will said “It was great fun, the audience were fantastic and laughed at all my jokes. I am now beginning life as a stand up comic! Me and the band loved the whole evening”.
Will returned to the 606 Club in early May where he gave another fantastic performance.
Will flew to the USA in May. Looking extremely dapper, Will closed out the final Season 9 performance episode of American Idol singing "Leave Right Now", the exit song for the season. Later he performed a set at the Instinct party held in the Ultra Suede Club in West Hollywood.
Will paid a third trip to the 606 Club in June when he added "Don't Want To Know" and the great swing number "Love Me Or Leave Me" to his set and fitted in a fourth date at the club in July.
Will and his band headlined one of the nights of The Summer Concert Series festival at Mercedes Benz World in Surrey in early July, then performed on a floating stage as part of The Henley Festival - a magical concert in a riverside setting.
Will’s summer tour of the British Isles did indeed involve some island hopping (Jersey and the Isles of Man and Wight to be precise!). Will also performed at a fledgling festival in Devon and amongst several concert venues, gave a performance at a rugby stadium in Leicester where in addition to singing, he grabbed a rugby ball, ran onto the pitch and landed a drop-goal to the delight of the crowd! Towards the end of the tour in August, Will became the first ever pop star to play at the Sandringham Estate.
The set list for Will’s summer concerts comprised some of his finest hits/album tracks and also a great cover of “Hit The Road Jack”. At some venues Will was accompanied by two dancers. As daylight gave way to darkness, Will and the dancers wore suits which lit up to fantastic effect for an energetic routine to Will’s second cover, “Dreams By The Sea”. Part of Will’s summer set (recorded at his Kenwood House concert in London) was broadcast on the Radio 2 ‘In Concert’ programme on 22nd July.
Groove Armada released a new album in February and had invited Will to co-write and sing one of the tracks; this was the amazing "History" which they later performed together on British TV (Jonathan Ross show) in April.
Will gave a fabulous performance at the acclaimed Chelsea jazz venue, the 606 Club in London in April. He was accompanied superbly by Ben Castle, Ash Soan, Dave Tench and Pete Turner. The set comprised reworkings of a mixture of jazz standards and several (mainly 80’s) songs including new covers “Answer Me”, “Boys Don't Cry”, “I'm Only Sleeping”, “In The Air Tonight”, “One World”, “My One And Only Thrill” and “Wishing Well”. Will said “It was great fun, the audience were fantastic and laughed at all my jokes. I am now beginning life as a stand up comic! Me and the band loved the whole evening”.
Will returned to the 606 Club in early May where he gave another fantastic performance.
Will flew to the USA in May. Looking extremely dapper, Will closed out the final Season 9 performance episode of American Idol singing "Leave Right Now", the exit song for the season. Later he performed a set at the Instinct party held in the Ultra Suede Club in West Hollywood.
Will paid a third trip to the 606 Club in June when he added "Don't Want To Know" and the great swing number "Love Me Or Leave Me" to his set and fitted in a fourth date at the club in July.
Will and his band headlined one of the nights of The Summer Concert Series festival at Mercedes Benz World in Surrey in early July, then performed on a floating stage as part of The Henley Festival - a magical concert in a riverside setting.
Will’s summer tour of the British Isles did indeed involve some island hopping (Jersey and the Isles of Man and Wight to be precise!). Will also performed at a fledgling festival in Devon and amongst several concert venues, gave a performance at a rugby stadium in Leicester where in addition to singing, he grabbed a rugby ball, ran onto the pitch and landed a drop-goal to the delight of the crowd! Towards the end of the tour in August, Will became the first ever pop star to play at the Sandringham Estate.
The set list for Will’s summer concerts comprised some of his finest hits/album tracks and also a great cover of “Hit The Road Jack”. At some venues Will was accompanied by two dancers. As daylight gave way to darkness, Will and the dancers wore suits which lit up to fantastic effect for an energetic routine to Will’s second cover, “Dreams By The Sea”. Part of Will’s summer set (recorded at his Kenwood House concert in London) was broadcast on the Radio 2 ‘In Concert’ programme on 22nd July.
2011: The murder mystery 'Marple: The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side' came to UK TV in January. Will had a cameo role as actor Casey Croft, who in turn played the part of an Egyptian pharoah - splendid costume, Will!
In early February Will performed a fantastic jazz set in an unusual setting – an old corvette boat transformed into a swish venue, permanently moored on the River Thames in London. This was one of several charity-related sets that Will has performed or readings that Will has given over the years.
On TV in February and March, ghostly goings-on in an old asylum that has been turned into flats – Will played the part of Ryan McAllister in ‘Bedlam’.
Radio drama - Will was splendid in the role of Joshua Toft whose wife gave birth to rabbits, or did she? The fascinating play ‘Mary Toft’s Rabbit Tale’ is based on the true story of an 18th Century hoax and aired on BBC Radio 4 on 22nd April.
What Will’s fans had long been waiting for! ‘A Night with Will Young’ - an ITV music special on 27th August hosted by Kate Thornton in front of a studio audience of fans. Will gave a great performance of hits past and present with individual staging for each of the songs that included stunning dance routines, twinkling stars and even a pair of giant hands! Will teamed up with Michael Gracey and Ashley Wallen, both of whom Will has worked with earlier in his career, to create the stylish look for the evening’s entertainment. Contributing hugely to the programme were the band, backing singers, the London Community Gospel Choir, dancers and puppeteers Mummenschanz.
One rather blustery weekend in November, Will sang a great set for SuperSaturday at Clapham Common, London – a family festival celebrating one year to go to the London Paralympic Games. His songs included “Jealousy” and “Come On” from his latest album. Will made another return to the stage in London on the Sunday for BBC Radio 2 Festival in a Day at Hyde Park where he performed a shortened set due to a throat problem. Will was a real trouper and kept the crowd well entertained. Afterwards he tweeted “A very frustrating day today for me and the band. Voice packed up on stage 1st time in 10 years but the audience were fantastic.”
Will’s Echoes tour took place in the Autumn. Naturally the shows included one of Will’s now legendary funky band intros. Fans were treated to several tracks from the new album including the rousing show opener “Come On” and showstopper “Silent Valentine” the final notes of which heralded a cascade of paper hearts gently falling onto Will. Songs like “Outsider” and covers “Bang Bang” and “Running Up That Hill” drew in the audience. Will included old favourites too with a new re-working of “Evergreen” – what a revelation! Will & co dressed up in Halloween costumes for the Dublin audience.
Will sang a selection of songs from his Echoes tour for the Radio 2 ‘In Concert’ programme broadcast on 1st December. The concert was recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre and included songs from ‘Echoes’ plus a selection of songs spanning his 10-year career plus his amazing cover of “Running Up That Hill”.
Will and the band gave a fabulous concert at the London Palladium on 12th December. The set list comprised songs from the recent tour and also included the most welcome reprise of “Friday’s Child”. It was a magical evening, with dance routines to some tracks (choreographed by Ashley Wallen). Particularly colourful, warm and Christmassy was Will and the dancers’ performance of “This Christmas”. All this and a great routine by Will and the dancers to Dave Brubeck’s “Unsquare Dance”.
Great to see a stylish performance of “Jealousy” with dancers on the Top Of The Pops Christmas Special! Talking of Christmas, fans love it when Will gives a Christmas message; this year’s was 12 Days of Christmas which included some delightful readings.
In early February Will performed a fantastic jazz set in an unusual setting – an old corvette boat transformed into a swish venue, permanently moored on the River Thames in London. This was one of several charity-related sets that Will has performed or readings that Will has given over the years.
On TV in February and March, ghostly goings-on in an old asylum that has been turned into flats – Will played the part of Ryan McAllister in ‘Bedlam’.
Radio drama - Will was splendid in the role of Joshua Toft whose wife gave birth to rabbits, or did she? The fascinating play ‘Mary Toft’s Rabbit Tale’ is based on the true story of an 18th Century hoax and aired on BBC Radio 4 on 22nd April.
What Will’s fans had long been waiting for! ‘A Night with Will Young’ - an ITV music special on 27th August hosted by Kate Thornton in front of a studio audience of fans. Will gave a great performance of hits past and present with individual staging for each of the songs that included stunning dance routines, twinkling stars and even a pair of giant hands! Will teamed up with Michael Gracey and Ashley Wallen, both of whom Will has worked with earlier in his career, to create the stylish look for the evening’s entertainment. Contributing hugely to the programme were the band, backing singers, the London Community Gospel Choir, dancers and puppeteers Mummenschanz.
One rather blustery weekend in November, Will sang a great set for SuperSaturday at Clapham Common, London – a family festival celebrating one year to go to the London Paralympic Games. His songs included “Jealousy” and “Come On” from his latest album. Will made another return to the stage in London on the Sunday for BBC Radio 2 Festival in a Day at Hyde Park where he performed a shortened set due to a throat problem. Will was a real trouper and kept the crowd well entertained. Afterwards he tweeted “A very frustrating day today for me and the band. Voice packed up on stage 1st time in 10 years but the audience were fantastic.”
Will’s Echoes tour took place in the Autumn. Naturally the shows included one of Will’s now legendary funky band intros. Fans were treated to several tracks from the new album including the rousing show opener “Come On” and showstopper “Silent Valentine” the final notes of which heralded a cascade of paper hearts gently falling onto Will. Songs like “Outsider” and covers “Bang Bang” and “Running Up That Hill” drew in the audience. Will included old favourites too with a new re-working of “Evergreen” – what a revelation! Will & co dressed up in Halloween costumes for the Dublin audience.
Will sang a selection of songs from his Echoes tour for the Radio 2 ‘In Concert’ programme broadcast on 1st December. The concert was recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre and included songs from ‘Echoes’ plus a selection of songs spanning his 10-year career plus his amazing cover of “Running Up That Hill”.
Will and the band gave a fabulous concert at the London Palladium on 12th December. The set list comprised songs from the recent tour and also included the most welcome reprise of “Friday’s Child”. It was a magical evening, with dance routines to some tracks (choreographed by Ashley Wallen). Particularly colourful, warm and Christmassy was Will and the dancers’ performance of “This Christmas”. All this and a great routine by Will and the dancers to Dave Brubeck’s “Unsquare Dance”.
Great to see a stylish performance of “Jealousy” with dancers on the Top Of The Pops Christmas Special! Talking of Christmas, fans love it when Will gives a Christmas message; this year’s was 12 Days of Christmas which included some delightful readings.
2012: Will gave a blinding performance of "Silent Valentine" on The Graham Norton Show in February.
Male contemporary dance was the hallmark of much of Will's promotion in March of the single "Losing Myself", from the superbly choreographed video through to thrilling live performances with the dancers. Particularly noteworthy were a performance for TV Channel 4 at the Koko Club in London and another for the radio station Wave 105 Live gig held at the BIC in Bournemouth. Will headlined the latter with a short but sweet set that also included a brand new dance routine for the song "Come On".
BBC Radio 4 broadcast in March Will's documentary "There Is Business Like Showbusiness" in which Will explored the world of industrial musicals with a combination of interviews and clips of music written about products as diverse as tractors and medical gowns!
Will was one of the performers at the Royal Albert Hall on 11th May for 'Our Greatest Team Rises', a gala evening attended by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to celebrate Great Britain's Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Will's set included "Running Up That Hill", "Jealousy" and "Leave Right Now" accompanied by David Tench and Rupert Fenn; also included was the inspired pairing of Will and violinist Charlie Siem for a totally stunning version of "Bang Bang".
On 1st June at the Hay Festival, Will read one of the winning entries of the BBC Radio 2 story competition for children and later he sang with Kish Mauve at the How The light Gets in Festival.
Will’s summer tour: set against the wider natural backdrop of lush green trees, the stage at each of several English forest venues featured an eye-catching backdrop of colourful T-shirts, tops and trousers. During the gigs, Will climbed a ladder to pluck a couple of the shirts for on-stage costume changes. Ponchos & picnics - the rain may have hammered down on more than one occasion but nothing dampened the spirits of the crowds as Will sang a collection of his hit songs and his cover of “Amy”. As day turned to night, Will sang two songs to spectacular effect wrapped in green neon tubing. A different tour venue was Kew Gardens where the stage looked stunning set against Kew’s famous glass houses. Will also performed at Cornbury festival and Epsom racecourse.
Will has performed a few intimate radio gigs over the years and in June Will took to the stage at Manchester’s Band on the Wall to perform an intimate Love Live Music event for Smooth Radio listeners, also a similar event for Real Radio. Will was also on the bill for big Radio City & Key 103 gigs in Liverpool and Manchester in July.
Great Britain hosted the 2012 Olympics and as part this, people from around the world could go to 'BT London Live Hyde Park' to watch the games on giant screens and also enjoy music from headline artists. On 28th July Will entertained the enthusiastic crowd on the Hyde Park stage. He got right into the spirit of the games by stripping down to gym gear for his final song "Jealousy". BTLive site said the next day "Will’s catalogue of hits spoke for itself, but our favourite was undeniably the synth laden hit Jealousy."
Male contemporary dance was the hallmark of much of Will's promotion in March of the single "Losing Myself", from the superbly choreographed video through to thrilling live performances with the dancers. Particularly noteworthy were a performance for TV Channel 4 at the Koko Club in London and another for the radio station Wave 105 Live gig held at the BIC in Bournemouth. Will headlined the latter with a short but sweet set that also included a brand new dance routine for the song "Come On".
BBC Radio 4 broadcast in March Will's documentary "There Is Business Like Showbusiness" in which Will explored the world of industrial musicals with a combination of interviews and clips of music written about products as diverse as tractors and medical gowns!
Will was one of the performers at the Royal Albert Hall on 11th May for 'Our Greatest Team Rises', a gala evening attended by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to celebrate Great Britain's Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Will's set included "Running Up That Hill", "Jealousy" and "Leave Right Now" accompanied by David Tench and Rupert Fenn; also included was the inspired pairing of Will and violinist Charlie Siem for a totally stunning version of "Bang Bang".
On 1st June at the Hay Festival, Will read one of the winning entries of the BBC Radio 2 story competition for children and later he sang with Kish Mauve at the How The light Gets in Festival.
Will’s summer tour: set against the wider natural backdrop of lush green trees, the stage at each of several English forest venues featured an eye-catching backdrop of colourful T-shirts, tops and trousers. During the gigs, Will climbed a ladder to pluck a couple of the shirts for on-stage costume changes. Ponchos & picnics - the rain may have hammered down on more than one occasion but nothing dampened the spirits of the crowds as Will sang a collection of his hit songs and his cover of “Amy”. As day turned to night, Will sang two songs to spectacular effect wrapped in green neon tubing. A different tour venue was Kew Gardens where the stage looked stunning set against Kew’s famous glass houses. Will also performed at Cornbury festival and Epsom racecourse.
Will has performed a few intimate radio gigs over the years and in June Will took to the stage at Manchester’s Band on the Wall to perform an intimate Love Live Music event for Smooth Radio listeners, also a similar event for Real Radio. Will was also on the bill for big Radio City & Key 103 gigs in Liverpool and Manchester in July.
Great Britain hosted the 2012 Olympics and as part this, people from around the world could go to 'BT London Live Hyde Park' to watch the games on giant screens and also enjoy music from headline artists. On 28th July Will entertained the enthusiastic crowd on the Hyde Park stage. He got right into the spirit of the games by stripping down to gym gear for his final song "Jealousy". BTLive site said the next day "Will’s catalogue of hits spoke for itself, but our favourite was undeniably the synth laden hit Jealousy."
On 30th August Will made his musical theatre debut as the enigmatic Emcee in 'Cabaret' (directed by Rufus Norris) which transferred to The Savoy Theatre in London’s West End on 3rd October. This followed a regional tour of the Churchill Theatre Bromley, The Mayflower Southampton, The Theatre Royal Nottingham, Norwich Theatre Royal and The Lowry Salford.
Will's character was Master of Ceremonies at the seedy Kit Kat Klub where performers sang and danced to the accompaniment of a resident band in 1930's Berlin.
Other main characters were played by Michelle Ryan (Sally Bowles), Matt Rawle (Cliff Bradshaw), Sian Phillips, Linal Haft, Harriet Thorpe and Nicholas Tizzard.
Will's character was Master of Ceremonies at the seedy Kit Kat Klub where performers sang and danced to the accompaniment of a resident band in 1930's Berlin.
Other main characters were played by Michelle Ryan (Sally Bowles), Matt Rawle (Cliff Bradshaw), Sian Phillips, Linal Haft, Harriet Thorpe and Nicholas Tizzard.
2013: Cabaret ended its first run at the Savoy Theatre to a tumultuous standing ovation on the evening of 19th January. Will was outstanding in the role of Emcee, getting some great reviews along the way. On 17th February, Will was presented with the Whats On Stage 'London Newcomer of the Year' award and later tweeted "I won!!! Thanks to everyone that voted".
Will was further rewarded for his West End debut with a nomination for 'Best Actor In A Musical' at the Olivier Awards. The ceremony took place on 28th April at The Royal Opera House, London where Will gave an awesome performance of "Wilkommen" with the company of Cabaret, accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra. Apart from those attending the event itself, theatre fans could also watch the whole ceremony on a giant screen in nearby Covent Garden or listen live to BBC Radio 2. "Wilkommen" was included in a highlights programme on ITV 1.
Later in the year Will reprised the role to much acclaim. Main cast members new for this second tour of 'Cabaret' were Siobhan Dillon (Sally Bowles), Lyn Paul and Valerie Cutko.
The show re-opened at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 28th August then moved on to the Empire Theatre Liverpool, Opera Theatre Manchester, Hippodrome Bristol, Alhambra Theatre Bradford, Congress Theatre Eastbourne, Opera House Blackpool, Kings Theatre Edinburgh, Gaiety Theatre Dublin, New Theatre Oxford, Assembly Hall Tunbridge Wells, New Theatre Hull, Grand Theatre Wolverhampton, the final performance taking place at the Broadway Theatre Peterborough on 7th December. Auf Wiedersehen Cabaret!
Will was further rewarded for his West End debut with a nomination for 'Best Actor In A Musical' at the Olivier Awards. The ceremony took place on 28th April at The Royal Opera House, London where Will gave an awesome performance of "Wilkommen" with the company of Cabaret, accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra. Apart from those attending the event itself, theatre fans could also watch the whole ceremony on a giant screen in nearby Covent Garden or listen live to BBC Radio 2. "Wilkommen" was included in a highlights programme on ITV 1.
Later in the year Will reprised the role to much acclaim. Main cast members new for this second tour of 'Cabaret' were Siobhan Dillon (Sally Bowles), Lyn Paul and Valerie Cutko.
The show re-opened at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 28th August then moved on to the Empire Theatre Liverpool, Opera Theatre Manchester, Hippodrome Bristol, Alhambra Theatre Bradford, Congress Theatre Eastbourne, Opera House Blackpool, Kings Theatre Edinburgh, Gaiety Theatre Dublin, New Theatre Oxford, Assembly Hall Tunbridge Wells, New Theatre Hull, Grand Theatre Wolverhampton, the final performance taking place at the Broadway Theatre Peterborough on 7th December. Auf Wiedersehen Cabaret!
2014: