Nicole Scherzinger & Tim Minchin to Headline Jesus Christ Superstar in London

Comedian/composer Tim Minchin will play Judas Iscariot in a revival of Jesus Christ Superstar at London’s 02 Arena this summer, according to the Guardian. He will star opposite former Pussycat Dolls frontwoman Nicole Scherzinger as Mary Magdalene in the Tim Rice-Andrew Lloyd Webber rock opera. The role of Jesus will be cast via Lloyd Webber’s latest reality casting show, Superstar.

Minchin, a successful Australian comedian, is the co-composer of West End musical hit Matilda, which just earned the Olivier Award for Best Musical. His Australian stage credits include productions of Amadeus, Hamlet, The Return, Twelfth Night, Man of La Mancha and two productions of Jesus Christ Superstar, in which he has understudied the role of Judas.

Aside from her time as a Pussycat Doll and solo artist, Scherzinger has served as a judge on the TV music competition show X Factor, and was the 2010 winner of Dancing With the Stars. She starred as Maureen in the 2010 Hollywood Bowl production of Rent, and in 2011 she performed The Phantom of the Opera’s title number at the telecast of the U.K.'s Royal Variety Performance, honoring the musical’s 25th anniversary.

Superstar has caused a rift between Lloyd Webber and his collaborator Rice, who called the endeavor ‘tacky.’ The show held auditions in February and March of 2012, and will air on ITV this summer.

The current Tony-nominated Broadway revival of Jesus Christ Superstar stars Paul Nolan as Jesus, Tony nominee Josh Young as Judas and Chilina Kennedy as Mary Magdalene.