'80s pop legend, Strictly finalist and Hobbit star to share the role of King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar
Jesus I am overjoyed...
In a holy unprecedented move, six stars have been cast as King Herod in the upcoming West End production of Jesus Christ Superstar – and all legends of the stage and screen.
Joining Eurovision runner-up Sam Ryder as Jesus, the role will be shared by Modern Family actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Death of Stalin's Simon Russell Beale, The Hobbit and Spooks star Richard Armitage, 80s pop icon Boy George, Strictly Come Dancing finalist Layton Williams and pantomime king Julian Clary.
The six will be splitting the role between them across the show's 11-week run.
Traditionally the role of Herod – who appears in the musical for just one song – is played by a well-known name in TV or theatre. The last major run of the Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical which toured UK arenas in 2012, saw radio DJ Chris Moyles take on the part. But never before have so many famous faces lined up to take on the role.
The show's 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."
The rest of the cast, including the principal characters of Mary Magdalene and Judas, have yet to be announced.
Ryder's role as Jesus was shared back in autumn 2025 and at the time he said: "So excited to be part of one of the biggest institutions in musical theatre the world’s ever known at The London Palladium in the West End!
"I'm honoured to take on this responsibility as I follow in the footsteps of rock vocal titans like Ian Gillan and John Farnham. I can't wait to immerse myself in the word of Jesus Christ Superstar in 2026.”
The original London production of Jesus Christ Superstar ran for over eight years, making it the longest-running musical in West End history at that time.
Made by Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice the story is a retelling of the Last Supper and the Crucifixion from Judas's perspective, featuring the well-known score and songs like Heaven on Their Minds, I Don't Know How to Love Him and Superstar.
Tickets are now on sale, so here's what you need to know.
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Who is playing Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar and when?
- Jesse Tyler Ferguson – 20 Jun – 11 Jul
- Simon Russell Beale – 13 – 25 Jul
- Richard Armitage – 27 Jul – 1 Aug
- Boy George – 3 – 15 Aug
- Layton Williams – 17 – 29 Aug
- Julian Clary – 31 Aug – 5 Sep
When is Jesus Christ Superstar coming to the West End?
The show will have a strictly limited run lasting from 20th June through to 5th September 2026.
Where is Jesus Christ Superstar playing at the West End?
Jesus Christ Superstar will be held at the formidable London Palladium. The Palladium is a legendary venue that sits right in the heart of the West End. To get there, simply head to Oxford Circus on the Victoria, Bakerloo and Central lines.
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How to get tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar in the West End
Tickets are now on sale at LW Theatres.
Buy Jesus Christ Superstar tickets at LW Theatres
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