Sam Ryder in Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium. Pictures: Johan Persson
Jesus Christ Superstar continues at the London Palladium until 5 September 2026, before transferring to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane from 16 October 2026 to 9 January 2027. The production then tours, opening at the Palace Theatre, Manchester from 11-27 February 2027.
Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Everything you hoped and prayed it would be, and much more, this latest creative resurrection of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece makes for a truly memorable night. Having absolutely no idea quite what was going to unfold in this lavish, imaginative dusting off a musical which is firmly entrenched in the history of groundbreaking musicals added to the undeniable air of expectation and even some trepidation which swirled around the London Palladium audience pre-show. A lucky few people found themselves standing at the rear of the stage, so close to the performers as to almost require an Equity card.
Just a few moments in, the first appearance of Sam Ryder in his West End debut as Jesus met with rapturous applause – after all, everyone loves Ryder, apart from maybe a few misguided Eurovision judges, and it’s a mark of his talent that you knew instantly he could handle the huge responsibility of playing this iconic role.
Tyrone Huntley as Judas Iscariot
First and foremost, a singer, the transition to the stage appears to be something he has taken in his stride. It helps massively, of course, when your fellow cast members include the likes of Tyrone Huntley playing Judas Iscariot, who puts in a immaculate, powerful and emotionally charged performance, calling on all his experience of previously playing the part, including at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre where this production was originally created and produced. As the two key antagonists, their ‘chemistry’ on stage is vital to the production’s success.
At times, it’s brutal and at others highly emotional, but constantly quite marvellous. As is the performance of Desmonda Cathabel as Mary Magdalene, melting a million hearts when singing ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’. Every single one of her appearances injects an element of beauty, serenity and considerable vocal talent.
Directed by Tim Sheader with choreography by Drew McOnie and design by Tom Scutt, this production reunites the creative team of the 2016 production 10 years on from Regent’s Park. To state the obvious, producing Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium must have required a totally different mindset and a much grander creative vision. Relishing the chance to rethink the show apparently, Sheader states in the programme notes that: “We’re not throwing away everything we’ve achieved with the production. But. It’s definitely not rinse and repeat.” What’s come out in the wash is pretty impressive.
Originally released as an album, Jesus Christ Superstar opened on Broadway back in 1971, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre, where it was nominated for five Tony Awards including best score. The original London production ran for over eight years, becoming the longest-running musical in West End history at that time. Joining director Sheader, choreographer McOnie and designer Scutt on the creative team are musical supervisor Tom Deering, lighting designer Lee Curran, sound designer Adam Fisher, wigs, hair and make-up designers Sam Cox and Maria Johal and fight director Kate Waters.
Sam Ryder in the title role with Desmonda Cathabel as Mary Magdalene
The set, which ultimately levitates to reveal a huge cross, is at times dark and menacing, at others creating the perfect backdrop for some wildly energetic and frenetic ensemble choreography, while the costumes suit the characters perfectly and mirror the personalities within. Plus, there’s some delightful ‘set’ pieces, like the brief, perfectly executed visual homage to the Last Supper.
Jesus Christ Superstar essentially follows the events of the last days of the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas, his treachery laid bare. As expected, Christ’s ultimate demise does not make for easy viewing and as he lays beaten, bloodied and writhing in pain the gory, verging on glorification of his final moments will make audiences uncomfortable. The final chapter of ‘the greatest story ever told’ was never going to have a happy ending, whatever format that takes. Thankfully, any possible pandering to 2026 sensitivities is not in evidence and this production is all the better for that.
As dark, brooding and serious as this musical mostly is, it’s not without humour though and the entrance of King Herod, magnificently camp in a glorious gold, flowing cloak is totally unexpected and fabulous over-the-top fun. It’s also a cameo literally tailor made for the five performers sharing the role at the London Palladium. On this occasion it was Jesse Tyler Ferguson (continuing until 11 July) who will be followed by Richard Armitage, Boy George, Layton Williams and Julian Clary.
Almost every musical, even mundane ones, have a standout moment. But, not many in the audience were prepared for the magnificent rendition by Ryder of ‘Gethsemane’ early in Act II. Simply stunning, it’s not often an actor gets a standing ovation mid-show but at the end of his amazing, beautiful and pitiful performance that’s what he received, and it was richly deserved. It will live long in the memory of those privileged to see it and will surely go down as one of the iconic moments in modern musical history – not bad for a West End debutant. Quite miraculous.
Derek Smith
- London tickets are available for Jesus Christ Superstar via the search engine at the top of this page.
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