Jesus Christ Superstar ★★★★ The London Palladium | Jun 20 - Sep 5, 2026


Created by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar first appeared as a concept album in 1970 before opening on Broadway in 1971. Since then, it has become one of the world's most enduring rock musicals, with countless stage revivals and a celebrated 1973 film adaptation. Telling the story of the final days of Jesus' life, it explores the complex relationships between Jesus, Judas, and Mary Magdalene. In this latest production, Sam Ryder, who represented the United Kingdom at Eurovision in 2022, takes on the title role. His soaring vocals are undeniably impressive and will delight his many fans, but his acting lacks the same confidence. Ryder appears far more at ease when holding a guitar or singing into a hand microphone than when simply inhabiting the character of Jesus. That reliance on hand-held and standing microphones is one of the production's more baffling choices. Although the cast wears headset microphones throughout, the additional ones repeatedly appear as props without any clear dramatic purpose. Their constant presence ultimately becomes distracting, leaving the audience wondering whether they are meant to carry some symbolic significance or are merely an unnecessary gimmick. As Judas, Tyrone Huntley delivers one of the evening's strongest performances, creating a conflicted and deeply human character rather than a one-dimensional villain. His powerful rendition of "Heaven on Their Minds" immediately establishes the emotional and ideological conflict at the heart of the story. Mary Magdalene receives an equally compelling portrayal from Desmonda Cathabel. Her warmth and vulnerability shine through in the beautifully sung "I Don't Know How to Love Him," one of the production's standout moments. Jesse Tyler Ferguson makes the most of his scene as King Herod. His comic showstopper, "Herod's Song", is performed with gleeful theatricality as he mocks Jesus by demanding miracles. It is a delightfully over-the-top, vaudeville-inspired performance that provides welcome comic relief. The staging is refreshingly simple, allowing the storytelling and music to take centre stage, although the choreography does frequently feel awkward and disconnected from the drama. Too often it distracts from, rather than enhances, the production's momentum. Despite such questionable moments, however, the sheer strength of the score and several outstanding performances ensure that this staging of Jesus Christ Superstar still packs an emotional punch. When the music soars, it is impossible not to be swept along.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Johan Persson

When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: 8 Argyll St, London W1F 7TF, UK

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