Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber has explained the decision to launch a new reality series, and this time on ITV1!
Tonight sees the launch of Superstar, a talent search for a star to play the lead role in an arena adaption of Lord Webber’s musical Jesus Christ Superstar.
Explaining the series, Lord Webber explained bluntly: “Quite simply, ITV asked me to do one! W
“We’ve found such amazing talent on the previous casting programmes – artists I would have never been aware of otherwise – and I find the process of discovering new stars fascinating.
“It’s not just finding new talent that I am passionate about, but helping people further their careers too. Look at our track record: six of our contestants from my previous shows are currently starring in shows in the West End, and Sam Barks, who came third in ‘I’d Do Anything’ is starring in a feature film alongside Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe!”
Asked why he wanted to reinvent Jesus Chris Superstar in particular, the composer went on: “I had been thinking about the possibility of doing a casting series to find someone to play the role of Jesus for a while, so when Peter Fincham, who I had worked with at the BBC, approached me it seemed the obvious thing to do.
“I also wanted to get ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ back to its rock roots and the TV show provides the perfect platform to cast the role of Jesus for an arena tour.”
He added: “I am looking for a really charismatic individual, someone who has huge physical presence as well as a great rock tenor voice. Whoever wins will be playing in the UK’s largest arenas with a cast headlined by Tim Minchin, Melanie C and Chris Moyles, all extremely experienced performers.”
Superstar airs tonight (July 7) and tomorrow on ITV1.
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