The award-winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar comes to the West End, now playing at The London Palladium until 5 Sept before extending to Theatre Royal Drury Lane from the 16 Oct – 9 Jan. Starring Sam Ryder as Jesus in his West End debut.
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.
Timothy Sheader Directs the iconic global phenomenon, with Choreography by Olivier Award-winner Drew McOnie and Design by Tony and Olivier Award-winner Tom Scutt.
Review by Richard Lambert
The music for this show is timeless. Who hasn’t played the album on repeat at some point in their lives? It remains a testament to great British musical theatre and still has the power to captivate audiences.
Of course, the story is well known, which is perhaps fortunate as the storytelling here doesn’t always come across with complete clarity. Drew McOnie’s choreography creates some striking stage pictures, although it relies heavily on a single vocabulary for one person. With relatively little partner work or variation in groupings, some of the larger ensemble numbers begin to feel a little repetitive as the evening progresses.
The sound is strong throughout, allowing the cast’s impressive vocals to shine. Tom Scutt’s set is centred around a large cruciform structure laid flat as a ramp, rather telegraphing its significance later in the production.
The lighting is truly exceptional and is undoubtedly one of the production’s greatest strengths. It sculpts every scene beautifully, adding atmosphere, depth and dramatic impact throughout.
When the set is finally raised, however, the anticipated visual climax is slightly different from what its design initially suggests, with Jesus instead crucified on a smaller cross positioned at a much lower level just off the stage floor. As a result, the final moments don’t quite deliver the overwhelming theatrical impact they seem to promise. Overall, the production feels a touch more restrained than one might expect from a London Palladium staging.
That said, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s extraordinary score, combined with the breathtaking lighting design and a committed company of performers, ensures this remains a memorable theatrical experience and one that is well worth seeing.
Cast
Jesus
- Sam Ryder
Judas Iscariot
- Tyrone Huntley*
Mary Magdalene
- Desmonda Cathabel
Pontius Pilate
- David Thaxton
King Herod (shared across the run)
- Jesse Tyler Ferguson (20 June – 11 July)
- Simon Russell Beale (13 – 25 July)
- Richard Armitage (27 July – 1 August)
- Boy George (3 – 15 August, except 8 August)**
- Layton Williams (17 – 29 August)
- Julian Clary (31 August – 5 September)
Principal Cast
- Bob Harms – Caiaphas
- Matty J – Annas
- Billy Nevers* – Simon / Alternate Judas
- Phil King – Peter
Company
- Koko Alexandra
- Jasmine Jules Andrews
- Courtney Arango
- Amy Barker
- Alistair Beattie
- Daniel Bowskill
- Jahlil M. Burke
- Martha Burton
- Marcelo Cervone
- Sarah Freer
- Sebastian Goffin
- Alexander Kranz
- Owen Lloyd
- Milo McCarthy
- Dan Moore
- Cherece Richards
- Kyle Richardson
- Olivia Saunders
- Toyan Thomas-Browne
- Charley Warburton
- Lillie-Pearl Wildman
* Tyrone Huntley and Billy Nevers share the role of Judas on selected performances.
** Boy George has since withdrawn from the production, with Richard Armitage covering his performances.
Creative Team
- Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Lyrics: Tim Rice
- Director: Tim Sheader
- Choreographer: Drew McOnie
- Set & Costume Designer: Tom Scutt
- Music Supervisor: Tom Deering
- Musical Director: Alan Williams
- Lighting Designer: Lee Curran
- Sound Designer: Adam Fisher
- Video Designer: Andrzej Goulding
- Hair, Wig & Make-up Designer: Cynthia De La Rosa
- Casting Director: Stuart Burt CDG
- Associate Director: Kerry Ellis
- Associate Choreographer: Ebony Molina
- Fight Director: Kate Waters
- Intimacy Director: Asha Jennings-Grant
- Children’s Casting Director: Verity Naughton
- Producer: Michael Harrison