The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Lloyd Webber call for DJ motormouth
Showbiz: Chris Moyles to play Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar
Radio 1’s Chris Moyles is going from saviour to villain – by playing King Herod in stage musical Jesus Christ Superstar.
The unlikely casting sees the breakfast show motormouth make his major debut in the Andrew Lloyd Webber production which tours arenas later this year. Also in the cast is former Spice Girl Mel C as Mary Magdelene and Olivier Award-winning comic and musician Tim Minchin as Judas Escariot.
Lord Lloyd-webber
is searching for a star to play Jesus in his forthcoming ITV1 talent hunt Superstar.
Moyles – the self-styled saviour of Radio 1 – said: “To receive a phonecall from Andrew is very cool, but when he asks you to be in his musical that’s pretty amazing. There is only one thing to respond with – and that is yes. Absolutely. My mum’s well excited.”
Moyles has previously put his singing abilities to the test as a contestant on ITV’S X Factor: Battle Of The Stars. And he released his ownalbum of cover ver- sions in 2009 which made the top 20. He is understood to be aiming to fit his stage c ommitments around his breakfast show , although he might have to miss mornings where the distances are too great.
Lord Lloyd-webber – who wrote Superstar with Sir Tim Rice – said: “Tim and I have always wanted to take Superstar back to its roots and we are both delighted that it will finally play an arena tour in the UK.” The tour begins in London on September 21 and performs at Glasgow SECC on September 25.