Eurovision hero Sam Ryder takes on role as Jesus Christ Superstar

Sam Ryder Takes on Title Role in Jesus Christ Superstar

British singer-songwriter Sam Ryder, celebrated for his 2022 Eurovision entry Space Man, is set to portray Jesus Christ in a new version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. The production will premiere at the London Palladium next summer.

This marks Ryder’s first appearance in a theatrical role. The upcoming show is a new adaptation of director Timothy Sheader’s acclaimed 2016 production, first staged at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, later moving to the Barbican and then touring across the UK and the US.

“In Sam we have a true superstar to play the iconic title role,” said producer Michael Harrison, calling the new version “thrilling.”

Ryder expressed pride and excitement about joining the legendary musical theatre lineup.

“It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of rock vocal titans like Ian Gillan and John Farnham,” he said, describing the piece as “one of the greatest institutions in musical theatre history.”

The Palladium, owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber, will host the production. Webber and lyricist Tim Rice first released Jesus Christ Superstar in 1970 as a concept album featuring Ian Gillan as Christ, which went on to triumph on Broadway in 1971 and open in London in 1972. By the time it closed in 1980, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history.

Author’s Summary

Sam Ryder, the British Eurovision star, is making his theatrical debut as Jesus in a fresh production of Jesus Christ Superstar at London’s Palladium next summer, honoring a musical theatre legacy.

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inkl inkl — 2025-11-07

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