First look at production photos for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Shehrazade Zafar-Arif 26 June, 2026, 16:40

Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals has today released first look production photos for Jesus Christ Superstar, now playing at the London Palladium.

Sam Ryder in Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Johan Persson

Jesus Christ Superstar chronicles the last week of Jesus's life up until his crucifixion, tackling his relationships with Judas and Mary Magdalene, and exploring the complicated politics and emotional dynamics of the time. It has been nominated for 5 Tony Awards, and after 3,358 performances, the original London production at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre became the longest running musical in West End history at the time. Its iconic rock opera score includes songs such as ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’, and the title number ‘Superstar’.

This production is directed by Tim Sheader with choreography by Olivier Award-winner Drew McOnie and design by Tony and Olivier Award-winner Tom Scutt, reuniting the creative team of the 2016 production. They are joined by musical supervisor Tom Deering, lighting designer Lee Curran, sound designer Adam Fisher, wigs, hair and makeup designers Sam Cox and Maria Johal, fight director Kate Waters and casting directors Grindrod Burton Casting.

The cast includes Sam Ryder as Jesus, with Tyrone Huntley as Judas Iscariot, Desmonda Cathabel as Mary Magdalene, and David Thaxton as Pontius Pilate. Six performers will share the role of King Herod: Jesse Tyler Ferguson (20 Jun – 11 Jul); Simon Russell Beale (13 – 25 Jul); Richard Armitage (27 Jul – 1 Aug); Boy George (3 – 15 Aug, except 8 Aug); Layton Williams (17 – 29 Aug); and Julian Clary (31 Aug – 5 Sep 2026). Joining them will be Bob Harms as Caiaphas, Matty J as Annas, Billy Nevers as Simon/Alternate Judas, and Phil King as Peter.

Jesus Christ Superstar is now playing at the London Palladium until Saturday 5 September 2026 with an opening night scheduled for 7 July. The production has extended performances for a limited 12-week engagement at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from Friday 16 October 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027. Following the conclusion of its London runs, it will tour the UK from 11 February to 23 October 2027.