Damon Albarn to perform self-penned opera 'Dr Dee'

Damon Albarn has written and will star in his own opera during this year's Manchester International Festival.

The Blur and Gorillaz star will perform his medieval opera Dr Dee: An English Opera at the event between July 1 and 9.

Albarn told The Sun during rehearsals for the shows: "There's a bit of making it up as we go along. I'm going to be playing myself. But there's no chance I'll be wearing a ruff.

"We called it an English opera because it's not traditional. I've been listening to a lot of medieval church music for inspiration."

The piece will tell the story of Dr Dee - an Elizabethan astrologer, magician and spy - through opera, dance and music, all written and choreographed by Albarn and his team.

Albarn explained: "I've written ten songs and I would love to do an album of them. But I'll have to finish writing it first, that's the main thing to worry about.

"You'll recognise everything in the opera from work I've done before - I don't want people to think I have gone all New Age."

Other acts confirmed for the festival include Björk, who will debut her multimedia experience titled Biophilia, which will bring together music, the internet, installations, live shows and specially created apps.

Tickets for the Manchester International Festival are on sale now.