A SUPERSTAR IS BORN…
Extra Date added 26 September 2012
Ben Forster Wins Role of ‘Jesus’ in UK’s first ever arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar
Starring Alongside Tim Minchin, Melanie C and Chris Moyles
Bringing live musical theatre to an arena audience
Tickets Selling Fast!!
Ben Forster will play the leading role of ‘Jesus’ in the first ever UK arena tour of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar. Ben will join Tim Minchin as ‘Judas Iscariot’, Melanie C as ‘Mary Magdalene’ and Chris Moyles as ‘King Herod’ to tour arenas in 11 cities around the UK and Ireland playing at the SECC on 25 September 2012
Ben, who tonight came first in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s television casting show ‘Superstar’ said, “This is a dream come true. I’m a massive fan of Andrew’s work. To have the chance to perform in front of hundreds of thousands of people in an arena with such an amazing cast is a real honour. Rehearsals start in two weeks and I just can’t wait to get stuck in to the role.”
Photo Caption: Andrew Lloyd Webber with his Jesus and Mary Magdalene
L-R Melanie C, Ben Forster, Andrew Lloyd Webber
Photo credit © Kieron McCarron / ITV
For the first time in the history of musical theatre, 60,000 people will see Jesus Christ Superstar in its opening week. The arena tour has already sold in excess of 100,000 tickets and generated advance box office sales of over £5 million. Jesus Christ Superstar will give arena audiences the opportunity to witness a full production of the musical including a full staging and live band. Fans from Cardiff to Newcastle to Glasgow will be able to experience this legendary rock classic on an arena stage for the very first time.
Andrew Lloyd Webber commented: “Once again, the British public have got it right. Ben is a true rock star and he just oozes arenability. The UK has a lot to look forward to when he takes on this iconic role.”
Melanie C added: “My leading man has been found! It’s been great to watch Ben get to the final, he’s worked so hard and has consistently got it right. I’m really looking forward to working with him on the tour.”
The spectacular production will come alive with a set and lighting design by Mark Fisher and Patrick Woodroffe, who have previously created designs for the likes of the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and U2. The show will be directed by Laurence Connor, the acclaimed director best known for the 25th Anniversary performance of The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall, the 25th Anniversary Concert of Les Misérables at London’s O2 arena, and the new UK tour of The Phantom of the Opera.
Photo supplied by Really Useful Group / AEG –
PHOTO CAPTION
The first look at Tim Minchin's "Judas Iscariot" and Ben Forster's "Jesus", accompanied by five riot police, from the brand new arena production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Check out BBC behind the scenes footage of Jesus Christ Superstar here