Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals has announced Jesus Christ Superstar will extend 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 summer season at The London Palladium (Saturday 20 June to Saturday 5 September 2026).
Michael Harrison, Producer, said, “The response to Jesus Christ Superstar has been nothing short of phenomenal, with demand for tickets at the London Palladium already breaking all time box office records. In light of this I am delighted to confirm that the production will follow its limited Palladium engagement with a further twelve-week season at London’s other great iconic theatre, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, ensuring many more people have the opportunity to experience the extraordinary Sam Ryder in this legendary musical. I am also extremely proud that this is the first time a Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical will have played at the Lane”.
Continuing with Sam Ryder as Jesus at Theatre Royal Drury Lane are Desmonda Cathabel as Mary Magdalene; David Thaxton as Pontius Pilate; Bob Harms as Caiaphas; Matty J as Annas and Phil King as Peter. Casting for Judas Iscariot, Simon and King Herod for performances at Theatre Royal Drury Lane will be announced at a later date. Guests can see Sam performing Gethsemane live this Saturday night, 16 May, when he appears on Britain’s Got Talent, from 6pm on ITV1.
Following this live performance, Sam Ryder’s brand-new recording of Gethsemane will be available to listen to on all streaming platforms from Saturday evening. With lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the record was produced by Fraser T. Smith (Adele, Raye, Dave) alongside Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sam Ryder. Recorded live to tape at British Grove Studios, it sees Ryder take on one of musical theatre’s most challenging songs.
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global phenomenon is directed by Tim Sheader with choreography by Olivier Award-winner Drew McOnie and design by Tony and Olivier Award-winner Tom Scutt. This reunites the creative team of the 2016 production 10 years on to create a unique staging of their Olivier award-winning, worldwide hit production. The production, which was originally created and produced at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, will play a limited eleven-week season at The London Palladium, followed by a twelve-week season at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Jesus Christ Superstar follows the events of the last days of the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and the iconic title number ‘Superstar’.
Originally released as an album, Jesus Christ Superstar opened on Broadway in 1971, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre, where it was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Original Score. The original London production ran for over eight years. By the time it closed, after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time.
Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals presents the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production by arrangement with LW Entertainment.
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