-02328.jpeg?width=1200&auto=webp&trim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0)
The iconic rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar has made a triumphant return to London’s West End, with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber noting that the latest production deliberately echoes its original concert-style roots.
Co-created by Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar first captivated audiences as a rock opera album in 1970.
Its stage debut followed on Broadway in 1971, before transferring to London’s West End in 1972, where it enjoyed a successful eight-year run.
This current London revival sees musician Sam Ryder making his West End debut in the pivotal role of Jesus.
The production boasts a substantial cast of approximately 30 performers, accompanied by a live 19-piece orchestra, promising a grand spectacle.
-04036.jpeg)
Speaking on the red carpet at the official opening night at the London Palladium on Tuesday, Lloyd Webber explained the show’s enduring appeal in a concert format: "It was a very successful album originally, and one of the things that's happened with it is because the album was so successful, that it's always been really at its best when it's like a concert, because we never got the chance to work on it specifically for the theatre, because we couldn't get anybody interested to do it in the theatre."
"What's great about this production is you've a band in vision, and it's much, much more like a very highly staged rock concert than it's like a theatre show," said Lloyd Webber, 78.
"I've always really fought for the band being involved, being on stage, and I think that's what makes this one work so well."
Seen through the eyes of Judas, the show chronicles the final days of the life of Jesus and features musical numbers such as "I Don't Know How to Love Him", "Superstar" and "Gethsemane".
Eurovision 2022 runner-up Ryder gets to showcase his skills and is "very possibly the best-ever vocalist we ever had as Jesus," said Lloyd Webber.
The role of King Herod is shared by a rotation of actors including Boy George, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Matt Bomer and Richard Armitage.
"It's a great idea because you're just coming for a week," said actor Omid Djalili, who takes over the role from December 14 to 19. "When you do these long runs, by month two or three, you slow down. We've only got eight shows to do it. We're going to go hell for leather in each one."
"Jesus Christ Superstar" plays at the London Palladium until September 5 and then moves to Theatre Royal Drury Lane from October 16 to January 9.
