As The Lowry gears up to show the critically-acclaimed 'Innit' musical in September, it has been revealed that Congleton-born and raised Will Bours will take on the lead role in the production, written by founder of charity I4YPC, Micky Dacks.

'Innit' is a real-life tale of working-class life in Salford, dysfunctional families, teenage antagonists, and the decisions faced at forks in the road. The production provides opportunities for local and young talent to help them realise their ambitions and deliver powerful life messages.

After standing out from the crowd at the local auditions stage, Bours, a recent drama graduate from University of Salford, will play the role of Ashley Thompson, an 18-year-old boy who finds himself on the wrong tracks, but who finds hope and redemption in a murky world. As the lead singer of up-and-coming band New Albion, Van De Bours has also utilised his wider talents and has been involved in the creative production of the show, helping to write and produce the final ballad of the production, alongside Dacks and Musical Director, Grant Russell.

Bours says: "For a drama student, it's a dream come true to get the lead role in your first professional show. All my previous experience over the years has just been acting in youth group productions but those experiences have led me here. Being involved in the production of 'Ran Towards The Darkness', which is my character Ashley's ballad and the finale to the show, is just incredible. I can't even describe how happy I am and can't wait to get on stage for real."

The production is also backed by local Staffordshire & Cheshire based training provider, Acorn Training, who are the lead sponsor of 'Innit'. Acorn Training deliver justice services, adult education, apprenticeships, and employability within the local area by providing robust wrap-around support and breaking down barriers for those battling mental & physical health conditions, people from disadvantaged backgrounds, ex-offenders, and minority groups. With 10 centres across the North West and Midlands, including those in Crewe, Manchester, Hanley, Newcastle-Under-Lyme and Leek, Acorn Training are renowned for championing diversity and inclusivity. 

Commenting on the sponsorship, Gareth Saldanha-Fallows, Managing Director of Acorn Training, said: "Acorn Training is delighted to sponsor the critically acclaimed Innit Musical, as Micky and his positive contribution to society is truly inspirational to us and supports the core values of our work. We send our best wishes to everybody involved in the production and we can't wait to see the show."

To reach as many young people as possible with the play's message, tickets and public transport to the theatre will be free of charge for 1,200 of Salford's young people between the age of 12 and 16. The public can purchase tickets from The Lowry's Box Office.

For more information on the production of 'Innit', please visit https://thelowry.com/whats-on/innit-musical/ or https://i4ypc.org.uk/innit-musical/.