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Sam Ryder joined by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Simon Russell Beale, Richard Armitage, Boy George, Layton Williams & Julian Clary

The new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium has announced star casting for the role of Herod.

Six stars will share the role over the musical’s run at the London Palladium from 20 June to 5 September 2026.

They are: Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family), Olivier and Tony Award-winner Simon Russell Beale (The Choral), Richard Armitage (The Hobbit trilogy), pop icon Boy George (Moulin Rouge!), Olivier Award winner Layton Williams (Titanique), and a return to the role for comedian and actor Julian Clary (Palladium Panto).

Already announced for the show is singer-songwriter and Eurovision contestant Sam Ryder, who will make his West End stage debut as Jesus.

  • All the Herods: London Palladium 2026 dates
  • JESSE TYLER FERGUSON: 20 June – 11 July 2026
  • SIMON RUSSELL BEALE: 13 – 25 July 2026
  • RICHARD ARMITAGE: 27 July – 1 August 2026
  • BOY GEORGE: 3 – 15 August 2026
  • LAYTON WILLIAMS: 17 – 29 August 2026
  • JULIAN CLARY: 31 August – 5 September 2026

The show is directed by Donmar Warehouse artistic director Timothy Sheader and choreographed by Drew McOnie (Cats), with design by Tom Scutt (Cabaret), who are all reuniting for the Palladium production following their acclaimed Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production, which has been staged multiple times in London, and toured extensively.

“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.” – Director Tim Sheader

Jesus Christ Superstar boasts lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Performance Information

  • Theatre: London Palladium, Argyll Street, London
  • Booking dates: 20 June to 5 September 2026
  • Performance schedule: Monday to Saturday evenings and Thursday & Saturday matinees
  • Running time: 2 hours
  • Age range: Recommended for ages 10+
  • Tickets: More about Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium
Jesus Christ Superstar - London Palladium

London Palladium, London

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Jesus Christ Superstar - London Palladium
Main photo: Jesus Christ Superstar - The stars to play Herod. Photos supplied by the production

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