Sam Ryder joined by a rotating cast of stage and screen stars including Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Simon Russell Beale, Boy George, and Julian Clary
London’s Palladium Theatre is set to host a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, beginning , and running through . The production will feature a rotating cast of six prominent actors in the role of King Herod, alongside singer-songwriter Sam Ryder, who will portray Jesus.
The lineup of Herods includes Jesse Tyler Ferguson, known for his role in the television series Modern Family, who will perform from to . He will be followed by Olivier and Tony Award-winner Sir Simon Russell Beale ( to ), and actor Richard Armitage ( to ).
The cast will also include pop icon Boy George ( to ), Olivier Award winner Layton Williams ( to ), and comedian and actor Julian Clary ( to ). Clary previously performed the role on tour.
Ryder, who gained prominence through TikTok and his participation in the Eurovision Song Contest with the single “Space Man,” will make his West End debut as Jesus. He has since released the album Heartland.
The production is directed by Timothy Sheader and choreographed by Drew McOnie, who previously collaborated on a critically acclaimed production of Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. The design is by Tom Scutt.
“All different but all fabulous, we are thrilled that these six artists will take a turn demanding Jesus walk across their swimming pool as the infamously camp but lethal King Herod. Choose to see any one of them and we promise, for a golden moment, they will stop this juggernaut of a show in its glitter filled tracks.” – Director Tim Sheader
Jesus Christ Superstar, with lyrics and music by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, tells the story of the last week of Jesus’s life. The production at the London Palladium promises a rock-infused experience rooted in the original 1971 concept album.
Performances will take place Monday through Saturday evenings, with Thursday and Saturday matinees. The running time is approximately two hours, and the production is recommended for audiences aged 10, and over. Tickets are currently available via the official website.
📷 Main photo: Jesus Christ Superstar – The stars to play Herod (Photos via PR)
