Six well-known faces will play the role of King Herod in the upcoming London Palladium production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
As announced today, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Simon Russell Beale, Richard Armitage, Boy George, Layton Williams and Julian Clary will share the role for the limited 11-week run this summer. Jesse will open the proceedings while Julian will play Herod in the final week.
Jesus Christ Superstar – King Herod schedule
Jesse Tyler Ferguson – June 20 – July 11
Simon Russell Beale – July 13 – July 25
Richard Armitage – 27 July – 1 August
Boy George – August 3rd – August 15th
Layton Williams – August 17th – August 29th
Julian Clary – 31 August – 5 September
Director Tim Sheader said: “All different but all amazing, we’re delighted that these six performers will take a turn and demand that Jesus walk across their pool as the notoriously camp but mortal King Herod. Choose to see any one of them and we promise, for one golden moment, that they’ll stop this packed show in its glitter.”
Each of the actors will join the previously announced Sam Ryder, who will take the stage as Jesus himself. The singer-songwriter and Eurovision Song Content 2022 runner-up will make his West End debut in the production.
With lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera musical first released as a concept album in 1970. With songs like “Gethsemane,” “Heaven on their Minds” and “I Don’t Know How To Love Him,” the musical tells the story of Jesus’ last weeks in life, from the perspective of Judas.
First released as a concept album in 1970, the show received its Broadway premiere in 1971 before making its West End debut the following year. The 2026 London Palladium production will be directed by Tim Sheader, who previously presented the show at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theater in 2016 and 2017.
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