Lavigne planning 'mellow' theatre tour

Avril Lavigne has promised to show her softer side when she embarks on a new tour of the US next year.

The 24-year-old singer confirmed that she wants to take a low-key approach when she next hits the road, providing a contrast to her 2008 'Best Damn Tour' jaunt, which had a party theme.

Lavigne's new direction comes as a result of the "stripped down" nature of her upcoming fourth album, due out in November.

Speaking to Billboard, the star explained: "I want to do a cool theatre tour in America because I feel it will really suit this record. I'm ready to go out there and just mellow out and sing."

Discussing the new disc, she added: "I'm kind of just keeping it in the family with all of my close friends. I started this record off really slow, just writing songs at home on my piano. I didn't work with a ton of people this time."

Lavigne collaborated on the project with her husband Deryck Whibley and former bandmate Evan Taubenfield.