The London Palladium has announced a spectacular rotating cast of six high-profile stars to play King Herod in this summer’s limited revival of Jesus Christ Superstar. Running from 20 June to 5 September 2026, the production will feature an eclectic mix of stage and screen legends joining the previously announced Sam Ryder, who takes on the role of Jesus.
The season begins with Modern Family star and Tony Award-winner Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who will perform from 20 June to 11 July. He is followed by distinguished stage veteran Sir Simon Russell Beale from 13 to 25 July. The Hobbit and Fool Me Once actor Richard Armitage then takes over for a week-long stint from 27 July to 1 August.
As the summer heats up, global pop icon Boy George joins the company from 3 to 15 August, followed by Olivier Award-winner and Strictly Come Dancing star Layton Williams from 17 to 29 August. The season will be brought to a close by comedian Julian Clary, who returns to the role of Herod from 31 August to 5 September, following his previous success with the production on tour.
Directed by Tim Sheader and choreographed by Drew McOnie, this production celebrates ten years since its original debut at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. The creative team includes Tony and Olivier Award-winner Tom Scutt on design and musical supervisor Tom Deering. This staging promises a unique, rock-infused experience that honors the 1971 concept album roots of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's legendary score.
The 11-week strictly limited engagement features iconic numbers such as "Gethsemane" and "I Don’t Know How to Love Him." With a press night scheduled for 7 July 2026, tickets are already on sale via the official website. This star-studded rotation offers audiences the rare chance to see vastly different interpretations of the "infamously camp but lethal" King Herod throughout the summer months.
