West End Stars through to Superstar Island

I have just been watching the first episode of Superstar on ITV where David Grindrod, Jason Donovan, Mel C (and Andrew Lloyd Webber in a separate room and loved his asides) were at Brixton 02 Academy auditioning the 104 call backs selected from the initial countrywide open auditions. 

I have already written about Jonathan Ansell’s audition, and have to say was impressed by the overall standard of the potential Superstars.  But one of the best things for me was that Jonathan Williams (pictured) got through.

He auditioned as one of the four Rock Tenors (3 of which got through) but Jonathan has played a number of musical theatre roles including the alternate Jean Valjean in Les Miserables at the Queen’s Theatre.  In my opinion Jonathan has been waiting in the wings for a long time and it’s great that he has time to shine.

40 call backs were selected from tonight’s auditions to go to Superstar Island to undergo a week’s intensive training including acting and vocal coaching and the dreaded choreography. 10 contestants will be eliminated at the end of the show bringing the number down to 30. This will be shown at 8:00 pm tomorrow night.

West End performers on Superstar Island that I spotted in the closing minutes of tonight’s show were Jonathan Ansell, Alex Gaumond (We Will Rock You, Legally Blonde) and Oliver Tompsett who is currently playing Drew in Rock of Ages.

The arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar kicks off the 02 in September. 

You can find the full schedule of all the ITV Superstar shows here.