Company had sought five-figure sum

A company threatened to sue Tim Minchin for £13,500 after he pulled out of a corporate booking to star in Jesus Christ Superstar.

The comic had to withdraw from the gig last autumn after he landed the role of Judas in the arena tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical.

But the company involved – who he declined to name – refused any of the other comedians offered to them as a replacement. Instead they decided to choose singer Will Young, who charged them £13,500 more thab Minchin. The unnamed corporation then launched a legal action to reclaim the difference.

However, Chortle understands the matter has now been amicably settled, without penalty.

Minchin made the revelation during a gig in Winchester this week, while the threat was still hanging over him. He had also pulled out of the Hampshire city’s comedy festival last autumn because of the Superstar tour, but rescheduled the date.

‘They wouldn’t take any other comedian my agent – or any other agent – offered them,’ he told the audience at the Theatre Royal. ‘My manager doesn’t like me talking about this.’

Indeed, his agents at PBJ declined to comment to Chortle on the case.

Published: 15 Feb 2013