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Picture Shows: The Brixton Auditions

Andrew Lloyd Webber starts a nationwide search on ITV1 for the next musical superstar

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 LondonÕs O2 arena

And the final decision will be in the hands of the British public

ITV1 and Andrew Lloyd Webber today announce ÔSuperstarÕÐ a brand new show that will give the British public the chance to choose the countryÕs next major rock star.

The winnerÕs 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 LondonÕs 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 countryÕs largest arenas.

Andrew Lloyd Webber says: ÒPresenting 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 IÕm thrilled to see the show return to its roots. ITV is providing the perfect platform for us to find a new, British Superstar.Ó

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.

ÒIt is the public who lead the casting process and theyÕve got it absolutely right four times already. ItÕs 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!Ó says Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Auditions will take place across the country during February-March in London, Dublin, Belfast, Manchester