Damon Albarn to act in his own rock-opera

Blur frontman Damon Albarn announced plans to perform in Doctor Dee opera that was written by himself. Gorillaz creator did not reveal what role he would take, but promised not to "walk around in a ruff and tights".

The opera is set to be shown in Manchester Palace Theatre during Manchester International Festival, which takes place July 1-9.

The opera tells about English scientist and alchemist John Dee, who lived in 16th century and was consultant to Queen Elizabeth I. According to Damon Albarn, he was interested in creating the story about him because John Dee is connected to Great Britain.

"I've got a really strange emotional connection - it really gets to me, that haunted, magical England. It's something that really stirs me in an irrational way", claimed Damon Albarn.

"John Dee was whitewashed out of history, and somebody should have had to tell about him", added Blur frontman.