Boy George withdraws from 'Jesus Christ Superstar' in the West End
Boy George was due to participate in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical as part of a rotating cast of King Herods, taking over from Richard Armitage on 3 August
Summary
- Boy George was due to play King Herod from 3-15 August
- The role will continue to be played by Richard Armitage for those dates
- Other performers playing Herod include Layton Williams and Julian Clary
Boy George will no longer play King Herod in the London Palladium production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
He was due to participate in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical as part of a rotating cast of King Herods, taking over from Richard Armitage on 3 August and performing through 15 August. Armitage will now continue to perform in the show for this period.
In a statement on social media, George's manager, Paul Kemsley, wrote: “After careful consideration, I have decided, in my capacity as Boy George’s manager, that he will no longer be appearing in Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium.
“The decision has been made with the utmost respect for the producers, the creative team and the entire company. We are grateful for the professionalism and understanding they have shown throughout and sincerely wish everyone involved every success with the production.
“We also recognise that many people purchased tickets in the hope of seeing George perform. To those fans, we offer our sincere apologies for the disappointment this decision may cause, and we are deeply grateful for their continued loyalty and support.
“George has never been afraid to stand by his personal convictions, and I have always respected him for that.
"Equally, I believe it is my responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interests of my artist while also showing respect to others. In this instance, I felt it was right to step aside, allowing the production to remain the focus, while ensuring everyone involved can move forward with mutual respect and goodwill.”
The decision comes days after George released a controversial song called “We Will Dance Again”, which voices support for Israel’s military action in Palestine.
The role of Herod at the London Palladium is being shared by Julian Clary, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Layton Williams, and Richard Armitage, with further actors playing Herod in the show's later Theatre Royal Drury Lane run.
Book Jesus Christ Superstar tickets at the London Palladium on LondonTheatre.co.uk
Book Jesus Christ Superstar tickets at Theatre Royal Drury Lane on LondonTheatre.co.uk
Photo credit: Boy George. (Photo by Dean Stockings)
Frequently asked questions
What is Jesus Christ Superstar - The Palladium about?
See Sam Ryder make his official West End debut as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, as the award-winning Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production comes to The London Palladium.
What's the age recommendation for Jesus Christ Superstar - The Palladium?
The recommended age for Jesus Christ Superstar - The Palladium is Ages 10+. Under 4s (including babes in arms) will not be admitted into the theatre. Under 15s must be accompanied by an adult (18+) and may not sit on their own within the auditorium. All persons entering the theatre must have a valid ticket..
Where is Jesus Christ Superstar - The Palladium playing?
Jesus Christ Superstar - The Palladium is playing at London Palladium. The theatre is located at 8 Argyll Street, London, W1F 7TF.
How do you book tickets for Jesus Christ Superstar - The Palladium?
Book tickets for Jesus Christ Superstar - The Palladium on London Theatre.
How much do tickets cost for Jesus Christ Superstar - The Palladium?
Tickets for Jesus Christ Superstar - The Palladium start at £104.
Who wrote Jesus Christ Superstar?
Jesus Christ Superstar has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.
What songs are in Jesus Christ Superstar?
Jesus Christ Superstar includes many musical numbers, including “This Jesus Must Die,” “Crucifixion,” and “Judas’s Death.”
Who directed Jesus Christ Superstar?
Tim Sheader is the director.
Is Jesus Christ Superstar appropriate for kids?
This production is best suited for those ages 10 and over. Any child under the age of 4 will not be admitted, and those aged 15 or under must be accompanied by an adult. This show contains some violence, imitation blood, and an onstage depiction of the crucifixion.
Is Jesus Christ Superstar good?
Jesus Christ Superstar is a phenomenal production, and this staging is a star-led masterpiece. With Sam Ryder making his West End debut as Jesus, Tyrone Huntley as Judas, and a smashing line-up of celebrity King Herods, this Palladium run is sure to be a hit with audiences.
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