Glenn Close to star in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' at Theatre Royal Drury Lane

The three-time Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony Award-winning actor, whose roles include Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction and Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians, will perform from 4–9 January 2027.

Summary

• Glenn Close is a Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony Award-winning actor
• Her credits include Fatal Attraction and 101 Dalmatians on screen, and The Real Thing, Death and the Maiden, and Sunset Boulevard on stage
• She will star as Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar in the West End from 4–9 January 2027

Glenn Close will perform the role of Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar for the final week of the musical's run at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

The three-time Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony Award-winning actor, whose roles include Alex Forrest in Fatal Attraction and Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians, will perform from 4–9 January 2027. Close has won Tony Awards for The Real Thing, Death and the Maiden, and Sunset Boulevard.

She joins eight other performers sharing the role of King Herod, including Matt Bomer (16 – 31 October); Rob Brydon (2 – 7 November); Reece Shearsmith (9 – 14 November); Bob The Drag Queen (16 – 21 November); Michael Ball (23 November – 5 December); Simon Russell Beale (7 – 12 December); Omid Djalili (14 – 19 December); Layton Williams (21 December 2026 – 2 January 2027).

The principal cast also includes Sam Ryder as Jesus, Tyrone Huntley as Judas Iscariot (not appearing on Thursdays), Desmonda Cathabel as Mary Magdalene, David Thaxton as Pontius Pilate, Bob Harms as Caiaphas, Matty J as Annas/Alternate Judas, Phil King as Peter, Eric Lewis as Simon, and Matthew Harvey as Standby Jesus.

The company is completed by Koko Alexandra, Jasmine Jules Andrews, Courtney Arango, Amy Barker, Alistair Beattie, Daniel Bowskill, Jahlil M Burke, Martha Burton, Marcelo Cervone, Sarah Freer, Sebastian Goffin, Alexander Kranz, Owen Lloyd, Milo McCarthy, Dan Moore, Cherece Richards, Kyle Richardson, Olivia Saunders, Toyan Thomas-Browne, Charley Warburton and Lillie-Pearl Wildman.

Producer Michael Harrison said: “I am thrilled that we will welcome such an esteemed actor as Glenn Close in the final week that audiences will have to experience Tim Sheader’s spectacular production in London. After a run of magnificent Herods, I am certain Glenn will bring the season at Theatre Royal Drury Lane to a triumphant close, following our London Palladium run where there wasn't a single empty seat or standing place in the house.”

Director Tim Sheader added: “Wow, what a blast to have Glenn Close Superstar in the house for our final week in London. I can’t wait for her artistry and imagination to meet the show.”

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical follows the last days in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. The creative team also includes choreography by Olivier Award winner Drew McOnie and design by Tony and Olivier Award winner Tom Scutt.

Book Jesus Christ Superstar tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Glenn Close. (Courtesy of production)