Get to know the Herods in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' at Theatre Royal Drury Lane

The Theatre Royal Drury Lane run of the smash-hit musical revival features incredible guest stars like Michael Ball, Matt Bomer, Simon Russell Beale, and Layton Williams.

Summary

• Jesus Christ Superstar is playing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
• The show features an incredible line-up of guest stars playing Herod
• They include Matt Bomer, Michael Ball, Simon Russell Beale, and Layton Williams

Hallelujah! The electrifying Jesus Christ Superstar is continuing its hit run in the West End. Following this summer’s stint at the London Palladium, it’s now moving to Theatre Royal Drury Lane, once again led by Sam Ryder as the title character and Tyrone Huntley as Judas.

Tim Sheader’s incredible production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic rock opera also has a fantastic cameo role in the form of King Herod. Just like at the Palladium, there’s a brilliant line-up of guest stars taking on that small but pivotal role across the Drury Lane run. Get to know them ahead of your trip.

Book Jesus Christ Superstar tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Matt Bomer

First up in this new run is the Hollywood star. Bomer is a Golden Globe winner for The Normal Heart, and his other screen credits include Magic Mike, American Horror Stories, Will & Grace, White Collar, Mid-Century Modern, The Nice Guys, and Fellow Travelers. His stage projects include 8 and The Boys in the Band (Tony winner for Best Revival).

Rob Brydon

The popular Welsh actor and presenter is next to inhabit Herod. Brydon is known for beloved TV shows like Gavin & Stacey and The Trip, and for hosting programmes such as Would I Lie to You?. His other screen credits include My Lady Jane and Barbie. On stage, he’s appeared in shows like The Painkiller, A Chorus of Disapproval, and Future Conditional.

Reece Shearsmith

The talented actor, comedian and writer co-created and starred in the award-winning TV shows The League of Gentlemen and Inside No. 9. He’s also appeared in everything from Saltburn to An Adventure in Space and Time and Good Omens, as well as, on stage, A Very Expensive Poison (Olivier nomination), The Producers, Betty Blue Eyes, Hangmen, and The Dresser.

Bob The Drag Queen

Next up in this wonderfully varied line-up of Herods is the non-binary performer Caldwell Tidicue aka Bob The Drag Queen, who won season eight of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and has since appeared in programmes such as High Maintenance, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Trixie Motel, and The Traitors, as well as stage shows like Angels in America and Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

Michael Ball

The legendary, two-time Olivier-winning musical theatre actor is known for iconic roles in Les Misérables, Hairspray, Phantom of the Opera, and Sweeney Todd, and will star as Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in the West End next year. He’s also made TV appearances in That Day We Sang, Ball & Boe: One Night Only, and Toast of London.

Simon Russell Beale

From one great leading man to another. Beale, winner of one Tony and three Olivier Awards, is a renowned Shakespearean, and has also starred in everything from Uncle Vanya and London Assurance to The Lehman Trilogy and Spamalot. His screen work includes The Death of Stalin, The Choral, Spooks, House of the Dragon, and Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.

Omid Djalili

The award-winning comedian, host and actor has a stellar career as a stand-up, and has also played Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof and Fagin in Oliver!. His numerous screen appearances include Road to Bethlehem, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, The Siege, His Dark Materials, Dickensian, Pirates of the Caribbean III: At World’s End, Casanova, Gladiator, and Notting Hill.

Layton Williams

The final fabulous Herod in this Drury Lane season is the popular performer who recently wowed Broadway by reprising his Olivier-winning role in Titanique. His other stage shows include Billy Elliot, Cabaret, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, and RENT, while on screen he’s appeared in Bad Education, I Hate Suzie, People We Meet on Vacation, and Strictly Come Dancing.

Book Jesus Christ Superstar tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: The Herods from Jesus Christ Superstar (Photos courtesy of the production)