Eurovision Star Sam Ryder to Star in Jesus Christ Superstar
Sam Ryder, the singer-songwriter famed for his 2022 Eurovision hit "Space Man," has been cast in the lead role of the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium. This marks Ryder’s theatrical debut.
Production Background
The show is a reimagined version of the 2016 production directed by Timothy Sheader, originally staged at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. It enjoyed two additional runs there, moved to the Barbican, and toured across the UK and the US.
Comments from Producer 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.”
Describing Jesus Christ Superstar as “one of the biggest institutions in musical theatre the world’s ever known,” Ryder expressed deep honour in taking on the role, following in the footsteps of “rock vocal titans like Ian Gillan and John Farnham.”
Historical Context
- The London Palladium is owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who composed Jesus Christ Superstar with lyricist Tim Rice.
- The work began as a concept album in 1970, featuring Ian Gillan as Christ during his final days.
- It debuted on Broadway in 1971 and opened in London in 1972 with Paul Nicholas as Jesus.
- By its 1980 closing, it was the longest-running musical in the West End at that time.
Ryder's casting revitalizes a legendary musical, shining new light on a timeless classic at one of London's premier venues.