JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Returning to Australia for Arena Tour, May 2013 with Minchin, Mel C and Ben Forster

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's smash-hit musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, is returning to Australia for another arena tour in May, starring Australian Tim Minchin, Sporty Spice Mel C and UK TV talent quest find Ben Forster.

Jon Stevens, who starred as Judas in the 1992 concert tour in front of almost one million people, will play Pontius Pilate, with Deal or No Deal host Andrew O'Keefe playing King Herod.

Minchin, best known for his comedy work, landed the British role at the last minute when first choice Seal pulled out. He will be returning to his hometown in Perth.

"I did amateur productions of Jesus Christ Superstar in Perth and didn't get to play the big roles, so it's fun to come back with such a f-- you version. This is popularist theatre, it's good mega-theatre. A lot of people put things in arenas, but this is upscaled and noisy if any theatre show is going to work in a space that big it's Jesus Christ Superstar. It's a proper rock opera."

The new production has references to the Occupy movement, Guantanamo Bay and reality TV.

The tour dates include:

Perth Arena, May 31

Adelaide Entertainment Centre, June 4

Sydney Entertainment Centre, June 7 and 8 (matinee)

Brisbane Entertainment Centre, June 11

Rod Laver Arena, June 14 and 15 (matinee)

*On sale March 8