Eurovision Star Sam Ryder to Star in Jesus Christ Superstar
Sam Ryder, the singer-songwriter behind the 2022 Eurovision hit Space Man, will play the lead role in Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium next summer. This marks Ryder's theatrical debut in Andrew Lloyd Webber's renowned rock opera.
Production Background
The upcoming show is a reimagined version of director Timothy Sheader’s 2016 production originally staged at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. The show enjoyed two additional runs there, later transferring to the Barbican and touring both the UK and the US.
Comments from the Production Team and Sam Ryder
“It is thrilling to have a new version created especially for the Palladium,” said producer Michael Harrison. “In Sam we have a true superstar to play the iconic title role.”
Ryder described Jesus Christ Superstar as “one of the biggest institutions in musical theatre the world’s ever known” and said he was honoured to take on the role following “rock vocal titans like Ian Gillan and John Farnham.”
Historical Context of Jesus Christ Superstar
The London Palladium is owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who composed Jesus Christ Superstar with lyricist Tim Rice. Originally launched as a 1970 concept album featuring Ian Gillan as Jesus during his final days, it achieved great success on Broadway in 1971 and opened in London in 1972 with Paul Nicholas in the title role.
By its 1980 closing, the musical was the longest-running show in West End history at the time.
Summary: Sam Ryder’s transition from Eurovision sensation to leading role in a classic rock opera highlights a significant new chapter in his career and the continuing legacy of Jesus Christ Superstar.