Theatre fans across Manchester are in for an absolute treat as one of the most celebrated rock operas in history prepares to hit the road for a massive nationwide arena tour, beginning in Manchester.
Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals is delighted to announce Jesus Christ Superstar will tour the UK following the conclusion of its West End engagements at The London Palladium and Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
In a massive casting coup for the production, Eurovision breakout star Sam Ryder brings his highly anticipated take on the iconic role of Jesus to theatres across the UK for the first time.
The epic journey will officially begin at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, from Thursday 11 to Saturday 27 February 2027.
Following its opening stint in Manchester, the spectacular production will go on to visit Cardiff, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Oxford, Norwich, Southend, Blackpool, Birmingham, Belfast, Bradford, Nottingham, Woking, Milton Keynes, Plymouth, Glasgow, Southampton, Sunderland, Liverpool, Aberdeen, Hull and Bristol.
For eager theatregoers looking to secure the top seats in the house, tickets are on presale here.
The general public sale opens on Wednesday, 24th June at 10 am.
Producer Michael Harrison said:
โWe are absolutely delighted that Jesus Christ Superstar will embark on a major UK tour following the phenomenal response to this extraordinary new production.
โThe tremendous buzz generated by Saturday nightโs first performance at The London Palladium underlines just how special this iconic musical remains, and we are thrilled that audiences across the country will now have the opportunity to experience Tim Sheaderโs visionary staging, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webberโs legendary score, and Sam Ryderโs electrifying performance.
โThis is fantastic news for touring theatre and audiences throughout the UK, ensuring that this remarkable production can be enjoyed by many more people following our seasons at The London Palladium and Theatre Royal Drury Lane.โ
While the titular role has been locked in, the team has confirmed that full casting for the remaining disciples and historic figures will be announced at a later date.
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webberโs iconic global phenomenon is directed by Tim Sheader with choreography by Olivier Award-winner Drew McOnie and design by Tony and Olivier Award-winner Tom Scutt.
The talented team is reuniting the creative force behind the 2016 production to create a unique staging of their Olivier award-winning, worldwide smash-hit production.
The acclaimed interpretation, which was originally created and produced at Regentโs Park Open Air Theatre, heads out on its extensive tour of the UK following an 11-week season at The London Palladium and a 12-week season at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Jesus Christ Superstar Sam Ryder Tour Musical Legacy
The gripping narrative of the show delves deep into emotional personal conflicts that remain incredibly powerful to this day.
Jesus Christ Superstar follows the events of the last days of the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas.
Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes โI Donโt Know How to Love Himโ, โGethsemaneโ and the iconic title number โSuperstarโ.
Originally released as a concept album, Jesus Christ Superstar opened on Broadway in 1971, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre, where it was nominated for five Tony Awards including Best Original Score.
The original London production ran for over eight years, and by the time it closed, after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time.
West End Creative Team Behind Jesus Christ Superstar
Bringing a production of this immense scale to life requires a massive network of dedicated theatrical experts working behind the scenes.
Joining Tim Sheader, choreographer Drew McOnie and designer Tom Scutt on the creative team are musical supervisor Tom Deering, lighting designer Lee Curran, and sound designer Adam Fisher.
The visual identity and safe execution of the intense performances are managed by wigs, hair and makeup designers Sam Cox and Maria Johal, fight director Kate Waters, and casting directors Grindrod Burton Casting.
