Star-studded line-up of King Herods announced for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

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 first opened on Broadway in 1971, where it was nominated for 5 Tony Awards, and after 3,358 performances, 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’.

Jesus Christ Superstar begins preview performances at The London Palladium this week and plays for 11 weeks from Saturday 20 June to 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.

In the upcoming transfer, Sam Ryder as Jesus will be joined by an all-star line-up of King Herods, with different performers sharing the role across the run:

Matt Bomer is a Golden Globe Award-winning, Emmy Award-nominated actor. He is known for his role as charismatic con artist Neal Caffrey in the hit series White Collar, and for his acclaimed performance in Fellow Travelers. His theatre work includes the Broadway production of The Boys in the Band. Jesus Christ Superstar marks Bomer’s West End debut. (16-31 October)

Rob Brydon MBE is an Award-winning actor, comedian and presenter. He is best known for his role as Uncle Bryn in Gavin and Stacey and as host of the comedy panel show Would I Lie to You? He has also starred alongside Steve Coogan in the celebrated series The Trip. (2-7 November)

Reece Shearsmith is a BAFTA Award-winning actor, writer and comedian, best known as a member of The League of Gentlemen. He co-created and starred in Psychoville and the nine-series BAFTA Award-winning anthology Inside No. 9. His stage credits include Ghost Stories and the stage adaptation of Inside No. 9 – Stage/Fright. (9-14 November)

Bob The Drag Queen / Caldwell Tidicue is an Award-winning comedian, actor and drag performer. Best known for winning Season 8 of RuPaul's Drag Race, where he was crowned America's Next Drag Superstar. He co-hosts HBO's We're Here and the acclaimed podcast Sibling Rivalry with Monét X Change. Bob made his Broadway debut earlier this year as Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. (16-21 November)

Michael Ball OBE is a double Olivier Award-winning singer, actor and broadcaster. He won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performances as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray and in the title role of Sweeney Todd. He originated the role of Marius in Les Misérables and Alex in Aspects of Love, the latter of which he also performed on Broadway. (23 November - 5 December)

Sir Simon Russell Beale is one of the UK’s most distinguished actors, with three Olivier Awards, two BAFTAs, one Tony Award and a knighthood for services to drama to his name. His screen work includes: The Death of Stalin, Mary Queen of Scots and The Choral. (7-12 December)

Omid Djalili is an Award-winning comedian and actor. His film credits include Gladiator, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and The Mummy. His theatre work includes starring as Fagin in Oliver! at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. (14-19 December)

Layton Williams is an Olivier Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated actor, singer and dancer, celebrated for his performances in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Cabaret and Titanique, the latter earning him an Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical in 2025 and a Tony Award-nomination in 2026. He is also widely known for reaching the final of Strictly Come Dancing and for his role as Stephen in TV series Bad Education. (21 December 2026 - 7 January 2027)

One final King is to be announced for the final week of performances (4 to 9 January 2027).

Jesus Christ Superstar will play at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from Friday 16 October 2026 to Saturday 9 January 2027.

Jesus Christ Superstar Tickets