Entertainment
Stephen Fry to guest narrate BBC’s ‘truthful and profound’ U Me: The Musical that centres on virtual love story
Stephen Fry will guest narrate a new musical, titled U Me: The Musical, that will premiere on BBC World Service.
The writer and broadcaster, 63, will provide an introduction to the production that stars lead actors Martin Sarreal and Anoushka Lucas, as well as students from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA).
The musical centres around a virtual love story to reflect life amid the coronavirus pandemic, with BBC describing hailing the production as ‘truthful, universal and profound’.
It will be staged for radio and podcast and follows two young people who spark up a connection after meeting online.
Stephen – who previously narrated all seven of the Harry Potter audio books – is said to have delivered a ‘beautifully moving introduction’ to the musical, with BBC saying in a statement: ‘Many of our story tellers were cut off from income streams during the pandemic, but leaving themselves vulnerable in every way is something they’re used to.
‘Many have continued to create, unpaid and in isolation, documenting these extraordinary times so that we and those that come after would be able to understand this moment in a way that is truthful, universal and profound.’
U Me: The Musical has been described as a ‘cultural response to a unique global collective experience’.
It’s set to air on BBC World Service on May 12 and will feature the BBC Philharmonic, as well as contemporary musicians, who have recorded their parts for the production remotely.
Stephen’s involvement with the musical comes after the former QI host revealed he has received the first dose of his coronavirus vaccine.
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Getting his jab in style, Steven had his dose administered at Westminster Abbey.
He said at the time: ‘It’s a wonderful moment, but you feel that it’s not only helpful for your own health, but you know that you’re likely to be less contagious if you yourself happen to carry it.’
‘It’s a symbol of being part of society, part of the group that we all want to protect each other and get this thing over and done with,’ Stephen continued.
‘I’m so excited and it’s such a vindication of science and research and slow discovery and experiment. It’s not over yet by any means but it’s a wonderful step.’
U.Me: The Musical will be broadcast on May 12 at 8pm on the BBC World Service.
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