In August 2014, Andy Bell starred in a music theatre production entitled Torsten The Bareback Saint, where Andy played the role of Torsten. March 2016 sees a run of the follow up production, Torsten The Beautiful Libertine, at the Above The Stag theatre in London and will be accompanied by an album of songs from the show.
From the album press release: "On the album Andy assumes the character of Torsten who has had, over time, many lovers and friends whom ultimately he has outlived. That he himself survives is a bittersweet truth, but it is with an increasingly melancholic emotional distance from people. The new album is a wonderfully evocative exposition of the mind, mirth and mania of an 'everyman' who finds himself in extraordinary circumstances. The songs effortlessly combine pop and theatricality in their lush arrangements and Andy’s voice has never been so dramatically expressive."
Tracklisting
- Statement Of Intent
- Beautiful Libertine
- Loitering With Intent
- This Town Needs Jesus
- The Slums We Loved
- Lady Domina Bizarre
- (Oooh Baby, You're So) Queercore! – With Lana Pillay
- BJ4C
- I'm Your Lover
- Rupert Drinks Vodka
- We Were Singing Along To Liza
- Photos Of Daniel
- I Am The Boy Who Smiled At You
- Bond Street Catalogues
- My Precious One
- To Have And To Hold
- Statement Of Intent (Reprise)
Torsten The Beautiful Libertine will be available as a download and also in a limited-edition black vinyl effect CD format presented in mini-gatefold LP style packaging with a twenty page booklet of lyrics and new colour photographs. You can pre-order the CD now from Cherry Red Records and buy tickets for the performance via Andy's official website.