Superstar winner Ben Forster set for autumn 2012 arena tour - additional dates announced

Jesus Christ Superstar

Where to start. Lord Lloyd Webber and Sir Tim Rice's story of 'the original pop star' first opened in London (after a Broadway run) back in 1972, when the composer and lyricist were plain old Andy and Tim. After many (many) productions, from school halls to arenas all over the world, the outrage which condemned 'Superstar' as blasphemous has, for the most part, subsided.

What remains is an ambitious masterpiece of wit and cunning which dared to retell a biblical tale dressed in the kitsch and whimsy of musical theatre. The love for Superstar has rarely waned and four decades since Andy and Tim put it all together, another staging is imminent. And with Melanie C, Lord Lloyd Webber and co having been lent ITV's prime time slot to cast their lead, the central role has now been filled by 31-year-old stage school graduate Ben Forster, who joins a stellar cast.

And it is quite a cast. The Messiah will go head-to-head with Judas Iscariot, played by the Olivier Award-winning Tim Minchin, alongside Mel C as Mary Magdelene and the self-styled Saviour (for now) of Radio 1 Chris Moyles as King Herod.

The tour itself kicks off in London at the O2 Arena on 21st September (sold out but for some Premium tickets), taking in Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff and more, ending with a date at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield on 21st October 2012.

The schedule now includes the new dates of 3rd October at the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena, 5th October at Birmingham NIA, 7th October at Manchester Arena and 20th October at the Nottingham Capital FM Arena. We have tickets available now priced from £45.

Stewart Darkin