Jeremy Williams-Chalmers, Arts Correspondent

A Playful Will Young On Tour

Will Young
Photo: Jeremy Williams=Chalmers
Will Young Photo: Jeremy Williams=Chalmers
Will Young has had yet another phenomenal year. Having released his ninth studio album, Light It Up, to both critical and commercial acclaim earlier this year, he has barely left the BBC Radio 2 playlist and went on to sell out a truly extraordinary number of shows for his very extensive UK tour in celebration of the record.

Having previously enjoyed undertaking a more intimate tour in the initial post-Covid period, he is emulating the tour and reaching venues he has never performed at previously. When he reaches Wolverhampton on the same night as David Essex, the Midlands city finds itself in a state of shock as two massive lines form to enter the venues.

Prior to Will taking up his place centre stage, singer/songwriter Rachael Sage treats the audience to an insight into her mind as she delivers a quirky and enjoyable set that showcases not only her most recent album but delves into her wealthy back catalogue. The audience is respectful and engaged throughout, enjoying their entrance into her world.

As he arrives on stage four minutes early to soundcheck after a hectic day of travel from Amsterdam, where he had visited a friend who had had a disastrous fall, it is clear Will is in a playful mood. From the very get-go, his audience interaction is pure gold, and his meandering through his changing set list and questions from the audience make for a truly unique experience. 

With his voice ageing like fine wine, accompanied solely by a keyboard, Will shines on numbers old and new, and even impromptu, unrehearsed audience requests sound faultless. While there is no denying that classics Your Game, Evergreen, and Leave Right Now are audience favourites, recent releases Light It Up and Falling Deep are equally impressive.

This is not a gig; it is rather an evening with. And a truly delightful one.

Catch Will Young at:
Oct 6
Gateshead, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

Oct 9
Sunderland, The Fire Station

Oct 12
Scarborough, Scarborough Spa

Oct 14
Chester, Storyhouse

Oct 15
Sheffield, Sheffield City Hall

Oct 18th
Leeds, City Varieties Music Hall

Oct 20
Manchester, RNCM (Royal Northern College of Music)