Multi-award-winning stage and screen star Glenn Close will step into the role of Herod when Jesus Christ Superstar plays its final week at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane early next year.
Announcing the superstar final addition to the cast for the record-breaking, sold-out London Palladium production’s West End transfer run, producer Michael Harrison said: “I am thrilled that we will welcome such an esteemed actor as Glenn Close in the final week that audiences will have to experience Tim Sheader’s spectacular production in London. After a run of magnificent Herods, I am certain Glenn will bring the season at Theatre Royal Drury Lane to a triumphant close, following our London Palladium run where there wasn’t a single empty seat or standing place in the house.”
Director Tim Sheader added: “Wow, what a blast to have Glenn Close Superstar in the house for our final week in London. I can’t wait for her artistry and imagination to meet the show.”
Running from 16 October 2026 to 9 January 2027, the 12-week transfer season stars Sam Ryder as Jesus with Tyrone Huntley as Judas Iscariot, Desmonda Cathabel as Mary Magdalene, David Thaxton as Pontius Pilate, Bob Harms as Caiaphas, Matty J as Annas/alternate Judas and Phil King as Peter.
The Drury Lane company will also include Koko Alexandra, Jasmine Jules Andrews, Courtney Arango, Amy Barker, Alistair Beattie, Daniel Bowskill, Jahlil M Burke ,Martha Burton, Marcelo Cervone, Sarah Freer, Sebastian Goffin, Alexander Kranz, Owen Lloyd ,Milo McCarthy, Dan Moore, Cherece Richards, Kyle Richardson, Olivia Saunders, Toyan Thomas-Browne, Charley Warburton and Lillie-Pearl Wildman.
Close will play King Herod from 4-9 January 2027. She will follow eight other Herods: Matt Bomer (16-31 October); Rob Brydon (2-7 November); Reece Shearsmith (9-14 November); Bob The Drag Queen (16-21 November); Michael Ball (23 November to 5 December); Simon Russell Beale (7-12 December); Omid Djalili (14-19 December) and Layton Williams (21 December 2026 to 2 January 2027).
The cast is completed by Eric Lewis as Simon and Matthew Harvey as Standby Jesus.
Following the conclusion of the Drury Lane season, Jesus Christ Superstar starring Sam Ryder will tour the UK from 11 February 2027. Further casting for the tour is to be announced.
Presented by Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, by arrangement with LW Entertainment, the acclaimed Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s work features choreography by Drew McOnie, design by Tom Scutt, music supervision by Tom Deering, lighting design by Lee Curran and sound design by Adam Fisher. The fight director is Kate Waters and the casting director is David Grindrod for Grindrod Burton Casting.
Winner of the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the 2016 Evening Standard Award for Best Musical, the production sold out consecutive runs at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in 2016 and 2017 before playing a West End transfer season at the Barbican in 2019. The production also embarked on an extensive North American tour in 2019 before returning to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in a concert version during the summer of 2020. The production also toured the UK in 2023 and 2024.
Angela Thomas
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