Singer-songwriter Sam Ryder, best known for his 2022 Eurovision hit 'Space Man', will take on the title role in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' at the London Palladium next summer. The production marks Ryder's theatrical debut in a reconceived version of director Timothy Sheader's staging, originally created in 2016 for Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.
Ryder, who came second in the Eurovision Song Contest, said he was honoured to follow in the footsteps of 'rock vocal titans like Ian Gillan and John Farnham'. Producer Michael Harrison described the casting as 'thrilling', adding that Ryder is 'a true superstar to play the iconic title role'.
The rock opera, by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, first appeared as a 1970 concept album and opened in London in 1972. It became the longest-running West End musical at the time of its closure in 1980. The Palladium production will run from 20 June to 5 September 2025, with design by Tom Scutt and choreography by Drew McOnie.
The venue recently hosted a successful revival of 'Evita', also originating from Regent's Park. A separate production of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury won best musical production at the UK Theatre Awards 2025.
