A decade after winning Pop Idol, Will Young's rise to become one of the country's foremost pop stars has set a standard that few artists 'discovered' by any subsequent 'Idol' show or derivative have even come close to emulating. Susan Boyle is a fairly big star and the Girls Aloud girls have done well for themselves but, musically, young Will, with his improbably exquisite white soul voice and ear for a catchy hook, stands head and shoulders above all of them.

If any doubts linger about his authenticity and whether he deserves his place at pop's top table, they are surely vanquished by the news that he is about to take on his first musical stage role. And not just any role, he'll be taking on the part of Emcee in Rufus Norris' new staging of Cabaret. It's an award-wining show and an award-winning role; earning Joel Grey an Oscar for his turn as Emcee in the Bob Fosse-directed 1972 film of the same name, which also starred Liza Minnelli.

Will Young said on his official website: "I am very excited about the challenge of choosing Cabaret as my first musical theatre role. The role of the Emcee is a part I have wanted to play since before I started training at Arts Education in Chiswick when I first moved to London." A typically sober soundbite from a bona fide star.

The national tour of Cabaret starring Will Young kicks off in Southampton from 3rd to 8th September, followed by runs in Nottingham (10th - 15th September), Norwich (17th to 22nd September) and then Salford Quays (24th to 29th September). The West End run begins at The Savoy Theatre from 3rd October until 19th January 2013.

We have selected tickets available now, prices beginning at around £23 for tour dates.