TAKE That will bring their new musical The Band to Southampton as part of a UK tour this autumn.

Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald, with co-producers David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers, made the announcement yesterday on stage at Manchester Apollo where Take That first performed in 1992.

It followed a rapturous reception to a rehearsed reading of the new musical in front of an audience of invited guests, from fans to friends, including the Daily Echo.

Gary Barlow explained: "It's new for us to stand in the audience and watch our music being performed. I'm falling in love with the show, we're very proud of it. It's a celebration of our music, brilliantly written. It'll make you feel like you're 15 again!"

Mark Owen added: "It is the story of Take That. We're in it from the beginning to the end. We met those kids when they were 16 years old outside our houses and at our gigs. We've seen them grow up and they've stayed with us. It's really about the people who have supported us for 25 years. It's wonderful to be a part of."

Howard Donald told the Daily Echo: "I cry every time I see it! We're so proud of it. We talked about this when we did the Circus tour and said we have to do a musical and here it is. Being back here again sends a shiver up my back."

The Band is a new Tim Firth musical featuring the music of Take That about what it’s like to grow up with a boyband. For five 16 year-old friends in 1992, ‘the band’ is everything. Quarter of a century later, we are reunited with the group of friends, now 40-something women, as they try once more to fulfil their dream of meeting their heroes.

Based on a true story, the idea came about after Take That received a moving letter from a lifelong fan. Other original Take That members Robbie Williams and Jason Orange are being consulted as the show takes shape.

The Band will be played by AJ Bentley, Nick Carsberg, Yazdan Qafouri Isfahani, Curtis T Johns and Sario Watanabe-Soloman, who, as Five to Five, won BBC’s Let It Shine.

Playing the parts of Rachel and Young Rachel will be Rachel Lumberg and Faye Christall.

Take That, one of the world's biggest boy bands turned manband with hits including Back For Good, Rule The World, Never Forget and The Flood, have a number of Hampshire connections. Howard lives in Ringwood and Mark is a Petersfield resident.

Theatre bosses are hoping both stars will see the show when it arrives at Mayflower Theatre from October 31 to November 11.

Tickets go on sale at midday today.

Call 023 8071 1811 or visit mayflower.org.uk