Andrew Lloyd Webber starts a nationwide search on ITV1 for the next musical superstar#1
The prize on offer is a unique opportunity to play the title role in new arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar across the UK,
starting at London’s O2 arena
And the final decision will be in the hands of the British public
ITV1 and Andrew Lloyd Webber today announce ‘Superstar’– a brand new show that will give the British public the chance to choose the country’s next major rock star.
The winner’s life-changing prize will be the leading role in a new arena tour of the legendary rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar which will open at London’s O2 arena.
Superstar will help talented singers achieve their potential and Andrew Lloyd Webber hopes the British public will help him discover an extraordinary new voice to fill the country’s largest arenas.
Andrew Lloyd Webber says: “Presenting a new, 2012 version of Jesus Christ Superstar for arenas is truly exciting. Some of the best performances of this show have been in rock venues and I’m thrilled to see the show return to its roots. ITV is providing the perfect platform for us to find a new, British Superstar.”
Andrew Lloyd Webber has previously discovered brilliant new stars for West End productions of The Sound of Music, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Oliver! and The Wizard of Oz. Theatre audiences have grown, there has been an increase in musical theatre licensing by amateur societies and a surge in applications at stage schools.
“It is the public who lead the casting process and they’ve got it absolutely right four times already. It’s been wonderful to see the careers of so many of the contestants blossom, so it will be especially fascinating to see who the public chooses as their Superstar!” says Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Auditions will take place across the country during February-March in London, Dublin, Belfast, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff. The UK’s most promising new talent will perform on stage in the hope of impressing the casting panel for a place in the final live shows.
The casting team will whittle down the numbers for the live shows featuring those they believe have potential to become a superstar.
Lloyd Webber will be joined by a carefully selected panel of judges to help him in his search. But ultimately it will be up to the British public to decide who they want to be his Superstar and play Jesus.
Elaine Bedell, ITV’s Director of Entertainment & Comedy, says: “We are asking ITV viewers to help us find a new superstar – in every sense of the word. We’re looking for the kind of performer who can fill arenas – and produce a rocking performance to match.”
Peter Davey, Executive Producer, says: “This is a massive, exciting opportunity and Andrew is looking for special talent. The winner will overnight become both an acting lead and – dare I say – a rock god overnight. There’s never been a bigger role or greater challenge ……… and it will be fascinating to see who the British public pick as their “Jesus”.
Kevin Lygo, Managing Director of ITV Studios says: “Live primetime entertainment is at the heart of ITV Studios and we’re delighted to be working with Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber to bring this nationwide search to ITV1.”
Superstar is executive produced by Peter Davey with Katharine Begg as series producer.
Superstar is an ITV Studios production for ITV1.
How to Apply:
Please go to www.itv.com/superstar for full details on how to apply and audition, website will be live from midnight Wednesday 18th January 2012. Anyone can apply over the age of 18 yrs, be it professional or amateur.
For further press information on the show please contact;
Gary Smith on 0207 157 3016 or gary.smith@itv.com
For further information on pictures please contact;
Shane Chapman on 0207 157 3043 or shane.chapman@itv.com