Sam Ryder is set to make his West End debut as Jesus in a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar at London’s Palladium next summer.
The Eurovision star, 36, who finished second in the 2022 contest, will follow in the footsteps of Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo who played the role in LA earlier this year.
With music by Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice the musical, which first premiered in 1971, follows the final days of Jesus through the eyes of Judas and will run from June 20 until September 5 2026.
Following the announcement Sam said: ‘I’m 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.’
Meanwhile Producer Michael Harrison said: ‘It is thrilling to be bringing this astounding creative team from the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production back together, and I am excited to see them create Jesus Christ Superstar specially for The London Palladium’.
Sam Ryder is set to make his West End debut as Jesus in a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber ‘s Jesus Christ Superstar at London’s Palladium next summer
The Eurovision star, 36, who finished second in the 2022 contest, will follow in the footsteps of Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo, 38, who played the role in LA earlier this year
Sam said: ‘I’m 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!’
‘In Sam we have a true superstar to play the iconic title role, and I look forward to sharing further announcements about the production in the coming months.’
Erivo previously played Mary Magdalene in an all-female version of Superstar in 2020, before being cast as Jesus at the Hollywood Bowl in August.
The casting news divided fans – with some lambasting the casting of a woman as the male religious icon ‘blasphemous’ while others delighted in the fresh take on the project.
One fan wrote: ‘What the actual f**k is going on’ while a second typed: ‘Absolutely friggin blasphemy. You’re mocking Christ the King.’
Others wrote: ‘Hollywood really is just a fishbowl of likeminded individuals; good luck with this one.
‘Cynthia should be more careful about the roles she gets. This is just plain disrespectful.
‘This is blasphemy. Jesus Christ is not a woman.
‘F**k it. Whatever. Nothing matters. Set your money on fire, production company. I don’t care.’
Sam gushed: ‘I can’t wait to immerse myself in the word of Jesus Christ Superstar in 2026.’
Cynthia’s casting news divided fans – with some lambasting the casting of a woman as the male religious icon ‘blasphemous’ while others delighted (Pictured at 2025 Tony Awards)
Others came out in support of the casting, revealing that Erivo’s role would ‘p**s off those MAGA snowflakes.’
Followers wrote: ‘She is extremely talented and no doubt slay and, doubly, if it pisses off the magabillies and Leon lovers this if GREAT NEWS.
‘Oh no here come the conservatives up in arms because their feelings are hurt that someone isn’t playing “their version,” of Jesus!
‘oh, this is going to piss off a LOT of people, and I am here for it.
Most recently Rachel Zegler has been performing at the Palladium as former First Lady of Argentina Eva Peron in the show, which debuted in 1978 and was also by Lloyd Webber and Rice.
The play follows her rise from a poor background to becoming a powerful political figure and cultural icon in Argentina.
Hundreds of people gather outside the venue for the Snow White star’s performance of Don’t Cry For Me Argentina on the balcony, made famous by the likes of Elaine Paige and Madonna.
Most recently Rachel Zegler has been performing at the Palladium as former First Lady of Argentina Eva Peron in the show that was also by Lloyd Webber and Rice
Hundreds of people gather outside the venue for the Snow White star’s performance of Don’t Cry For Me Argentina on the balcony, made famous by the likes of Elaine Paige and Madonna
An official announcement for the show read: ‘Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary Evita returns to the West End, reimagined by the visionary award-winning director Jamie Lloyd’.
‘Featuring an iconic score including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, Oh What A Circus, Another Suitcase in Another Hall, and the Oscar-winning You Must Love Me’.
‘Fuelled by ambition and passion, Eva Perón rose from poverty to become the most powerful woman in Latin America. A symbol of hope to many Argentines, her star shone brightly as she captured the nation’s heart and divided its soul’.
Rachel is no stranger to musical theatre and starred in Stephen Spielberg’s Oscar winning adaption of West Side Story in 2021.
Other famous faces to take on the iconic role Evita include Patti Lupone, Elaine Paige as well as mega Madonna in the 1996 movie version.
