A Superstar is Born!

26th, July, 2012

A Superstar is Born!

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. The tour starts at London’s O2 Arena on 21 September and ends at Sheffield’s Motorpoint on 21 October.

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.”

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.

www.jesuschristsuperstar.com

Jesus Christ Superstar Tour Dates:

Friday 21 September London The O2

Saturday 22 September London The O2 (MATINEE PERFORMANCE)

Saturday 22 September London The O2

Tuesday 25 September Glasgow SECC

Friday 28 September Newcastle Metro Radio Arena

Sunday 30 September Manchester Arena

Tuesday 2 October Cardiff Motorpoint

Wednesday 3 October Cardiff Motorpoint

Thursday 4 October Birmingham NIA

Tuesday 9 October Belfast Odyssey