Carl Barat to Make Theatre Debut in London

Former Libertines and Dirty Pretty Things guitarist Carl Barat is to make his stage debut in London on Tuesday (Jan. 26), starring in Sam Shepherd's 'Fool For Love.'

The new play, described as the story of a "tragic love-hate relationship" set in the Mojave Desert, will see the musician co-starring with actress and long-time friend Sadie Frost.

In an interview with the BBC, Barat has explained that preparing for a theatre run has been challenging, saying, "This is all confusing for me, there are press nights and previews. It's been pretty exhausting, they're not lightweights these actors."

He also said that Frost is the reason he's finally taken the plunge to appear on stage, "She called me up ... constantly saying I'd be really good at acting, and then I couldn't really back down. I thought I'd take the challenge -- even though it really scared the life out of me and it still does."

He also confided that starring in 'Fool For Love' has been a bit scary, "I can't start the song again either or mumble the lyrics when I forget them. The character is something you can hide behind as well. I don't want to sound all academic but it's a different aspect of yourself -- doing a play and singing your songs."

'Fool For Love' runs from Jan. 26 to Mar. 21 at Riverside Studios, Hammersmith in west London.