‘Britain’s Got Talent’ star Matty Juniosa joins ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ on West End

Posted by ReyFort Media

MANILA, Philippines — Singer Matty Juniosa, a double Golden Buzzer recipient on “Britain’s Got Talent,” is living out his musical theater dreams after being cast in the West End revival of “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

The sung-through rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice is based on the events of the Passion of Christ in the Bible, told through the perspective of Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrays Jesus.

The production also explores the relationships between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, Christ’s other disciples and followers and the Roman Empire.

Last November, it was announced that the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” would be staged at the London Palladium for a limited engagement, with singer Sam Ryder playing Jesus in his West End debut.

That reimagining of “Jesus Christ Superstar” is the same version that will be staged in Manila this May at The Theatre at Solaire, with Gab Pangilinan portraying Mary Magdalene.

Earlier this year, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Boy George, Layton Williams, Simon Russell Beale, Richard Armitage and Julian Clary were announced to alternate in the role of King Herod.

Tyrone Huntley, Desmonda Cathabel and David Thaxton were later tapped to play Judas, Mary Magdalene and Pilate, respectively.

The full cast for the upcoming West End run was later unveiled, with Juniosa set to portray Annas, a priest persuaded by Caiaphas (to be played by Bob Harms) into seeing Jesus as a threat.

Among the musical numbers Annas takes part in are “Damned for All Time/Blood Money,” “The Arrest” and “Judas’ Death.”

Matty previously shared in an exclusive interview with Philstar.com that he planned to pursue musical theatre after completing a degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

During the ongoing 19th season of “Britain’s Got Talent,” Matty earned his first Golden Buzzer from judge Simon Cowell after a powerful audition performance of Prince’s “Purple Rain,” securing him a spot in the live semifinals.

There, Matty wowed audiences again with his rendition of Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” earning a second Golden Buzzer from judge Amanda Holden and a place in the finals.

The finals will take place on May 30 (May 31 in the Philippines), giving Matty some time before “Jesus Christ Superstar” begins its run at the London Palladium on June 20. (K. Purnell/Philstar)