Superstar: Andrew Lloyd Webber on the kind of performer he’s after

Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber has said that the winner of his new show Superstar needs to be “incredibly charismatic”.

Speaking at the show’s auditions in Glasgow, the composer revealed the kind of the performer he’s after for the lead role in his arena adaption of Jesus Chris Superstar.

“It’s a slight twist this one because Jesus Christ Superstar started in America really, in the big rock arenas, therefore we’re looking for someone to play the role of Jesus who can hold a great big rock arena,” Lord Webber told STV.

The show will be rived across arenas this autumn, with shows at venues including London’s O2 Arena.

Speaking about the winning Jesus, Lord Webber explained: “He’s got to be incredibly charismatic, that is obviously clear, he has also got to have a fantastic singing voice.

“The original role was played by Ian Gillan of Deep Purple 42 years ago I’m ashamed to say – it dates me – but he was amazing and he was one of the great rock tenor voices of all l time, and an extraordinary falsetto cry, and we’re going to have to go a long way to find somebody who can match him, but that’s what I’d like, and somebody who can also bring their own personality to it.”

Superstar airs on ITV1 next month.