Simon Russell Beale moves 'Jesus Christ Superstar' dates, as Richard Armitage extends

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical follows the events of the last days of the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas.

Simon Russell Beale's appearance as King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar has now been moved to the show's Theatre Royal Drury Lane run later this year. Richard Armitage has extended his run in the role at The London Palladium.

Beale will now play King Herod from 7 to 12 December 2026 at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, while Armitage will perform for an additional two weeks from 13 July to 1 August, and returning for an extra performance on 8 August.

Sam Ryder leads the cast of both the Palladium and Theatre Royal Drury Lane runs as Jesus. He is joined by Desmonda Cathabel as Mary Magdalene, David Thaxton as Pontius Pilate, Bob Harms as Caiaphas, Matty J as Annas, and Phil King as Peter. The score includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”, “Gethsemane” and “Superstar”.

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical follows the events of the last days of the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas.

Full casting for Herod for the Theatre Royal Drury Lane engagement will be announced at a later date.

Book Jesus Christ Superstar tickets for the Palladium and Theatre Royal Drury Lane runs on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Simon Russell Beale and Richard Armitage. (Courtesy of production)