Six well-known faces will be playing the role of King Herod in the forthcoming 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 be sharing the role during the limited 11-week run this summer. Jesse will be kicking off proceedings while Julian will be playing Herod during 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 – July 27 – August 1
Boy George – August 3 – August 15
Layton Williams – August 17 – August 29
Julian Clary – August 31 – September 5
Speaking of this intriguing casting news, director Tim Sheader said: “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.”
Each of the actors will be joining the previously announced Sam Ryder, who will be taking to the stage as Jesus himself. The singer-songwriter and 2022 Eurovision Song Content runner up will be making 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 which was first released as a concept album in 1970. Featuring songs such as ‘Gethsemane’, ‘Heaven on their Minds’, and ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’, the musical tells the story of Jesus’ final weeks of life, from the perspective of Judas.
First released as a concept album in 1970, the show received its Broadway premiere in 1971 before debuting in the West End the following year. The 2026 London Palladium production will be directed by Tim Sheader, who previously presented the show at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in 2016 and 2017.
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