Eurovision star Sam Ryder to headline new production of Jesus Christ Superstar at Milton Keynes Theatre in 2027

Eurovision star Sam Ryder has been announced a headline performer of a new production of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, which will be taking place at Milton Keynes Theatre next year.

A new take on the famed rock music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice will be going on tour next year after it finishes a run at the London Palladium, with Ryder in the lead role as Jesus. The show will appear at Milton Keynes Theatre in the week of 27-31 July 2027. Tickets went on sale earlier today (24/06).

The production, which was originally created and produced at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, heads out on a 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 follows the events of the last days of the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. The musical includes such tunes as ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and the iconic title number ‘Superstar’.

Originally released as an 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. By the time it closed, after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time.

Joining Tim Sheader, choreographer Drew McOnie and designer Tom Scutt on the creative team are musical supervisor Tom Deering, lighting designer Lee Curran, sound designer Adam Fisher, wigs, hair and makeup designers Sam Cox & Maria Johal, fight director Kate Waters and casting directors Grindrod Burton Casting.

Confirmed as the lead star is Ryder, who shot to fame when he finished second at Eurovision in 2022 as the UK’s entry, and who has since forged a career on stage and in music.

The producers confirmed that further cast members for this new production will be announced in due course.

Producer Michael Harrison said, “We are absolutely delighted that Jesus Christ Superstar will embark on a major UK tour following the phenomenal response to this extraordinary new production. The tremendous buzz generated by Saturday night’s 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 Sheader’s visionary staging, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary score, and Sam Ryder’s electrifying performance.

This 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.”